Mark your calendars; our free, two-week online Games Employability Bootcamp 2026 runs from Monday 2nd to Friday 13th November for university and college games students from working-class and low-income backgrounds.

The Bootcamp is designed to help you feel more confident, better prepared for work and ready to go after your first role. It is built around our Career Launchpad course, which draws on insight from recruiters and talent teams across the UK games industry, and covers:

• How studios make hiring decisions and what they value
• Writing a CV and cover letter that stand out
• Building a portfolio that gets noticed
• Communicating your value in interviews
• Building experience before you're hired
• Making industry connections

You'll also meet real recruiters during the Bootcamp and join a network that lasts long after the two weeks have wrapped.

The programme is designed to run alongside your existing studies. We ask for no more than 45 minutes a day, Monday to Friday, split into simple daily activities that are easy to digest and put into practice.

There are three live sessions, starting with a 45-minute kick-off on Monday 2nd November at 5 pm. Everything else is on demand, so you can do it when it suits you.

Participants who complete all activities will be added to the Into Games support network and get access to further employability support for the next 12 months.

The Bootcamp is open to students aged 17+ from working-class and low-income backgrounds who are in their second or final year, or studying for a master's, on a games or games-related course at a UK university or college. International students at UK institutions are welcome to apply. Full eligibility criteria are in the FAQ below.

We have 100 places available. We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum of three per institution, so we reach games courses in every part of the UK.

Applications close on Wednesday 28th October, but we'd recommend applying early. We'll confirm places by Friday 30th October.

APPLY HERE

If you teach on a games course, please share this with your students.

Questions? Get in touch at hello@intogames.org.

This programme has been entirely sponsored by Slow Game Club, our indie games subscription service. If you would like to support our work and play amazing indie games at huge discounts, find out more here.

Am I eligible to apply?

You need to be 17+ and currently in your second or final year, or studying for a master's, on a games or games-related course at a UK university or college.

At least one of the following must also have been true for you for a year or more before the age of 17:

• You were eligible for free school meals in a UK school (whether or not you claimed them).
• Your parent(s) or guardian(s) received Universal Credit, Income Support, ESA, Housing Benefit, or a similar support programme.
• You lived in social housing, temporary accommodation, or experienced unstable housing. Examples might include growing up in a council flat, living in a hostel, or staying with friends or relatives because of housing issues.
• You spent time in care or were looked after by the local authority.
• Your parent(s) or guardian(s) earned a combined income under £35,000 per year.
• Your family experienced difficulty affording basic necessities such as food, heating, housing, or transport.
• Your parent(s) or guardian(s) worked in one of the following kinds of roles:
  - Routine or manual labour (e.g. cleaner, warehouse worker, delivery driver)
  - Skilled trades (e.g. hairdresser, plumber, mechanic)
  - Clerical or support roles (e.g. receptionist, call centre staff)

I'm an international student. Can I apply?

Yes, as long as you are studying at a UK institution and meet the criteria above.

How are places allocated?

First come, first served, with a maximum of three places per institution. 

How much time will this take?

No more than 45 minutes a day, Monday to Friday, for two weeks. There are three live sessions, starting with the kick-off on Monday 2nd November at 5pm. The rest is on demand, so you can do it whenever suits you.

Can I apply if I'm not from a working-class or low-income background?

Not at present.