IG50 is one of the UK games industry’s most important launchpads for undiscovered talent, and we’re thrilled to introduce this year’s cohort. Now in its fifth year, the programme remains committed to spotlighting 50 exceptional, yet‑to‑be‑hired people. For the second year, this has been focused on people from working‑class and low‑income backgrounds, giving them the support, visibility, and industry access needed to secure their first role in games.

Organised by Into Games and sponsored by Ubisoft, the IG50 is a nationwide search for rising stars who often face the toughest barriers to entry. Without industry connections or financial security, breaking into games can feel out of reach. IG50 tackles those challenges head‑on, offering targeted support that helps talented newcomers get noticed, build confidence, and take meaningful steps into the industry.

Take a look at this years winners here: https://www.intogames50.uk/winners-2026

Alongside winning the IG50 title, winners receive a variety of perks:

• Free travel & accommodation for Develop:Brighton 2026
• Discipline-specific connections and portfolio support
• A Slow Games Club membership
• A community of fellow IG50 winners
• Free employability training & access to a live masterclass by an industry pro
• A selection of our winners will be matched with a UK games studio for a paid placement via our Boost Programme

Boost, in particular, has become one of the programme’s most transformative components. It gives IG50 winners hands‑on studio experience by matching them with teams who need support in specific disciplines. The studio provides meaningful work; Into Games pays the candidate’s wage. During the 2025 pilot, 11 studios were matched with 11 candidates, giving each winner a genuine foothold in the industry.

Mark (Boost Programme Studio Mentor): "I would say that given how good he (their Boost candidate) was, the IG50 talent level must be similar. I  would not have a problem taking on someone coming from that cohort. If I saw a CV in the future that showed someone was in the IG50, it would immediately pique my interest because I now know the level of talent they have!"

A few of our winners have been able to celebrate together a little early! In June, several of the 2026 winners gathered for a small, secret meet‑up at Gamebridge to connect and share their work. Four of them even showcased their projects at the event, marking their first public industry appearance. Moments like these capture the spirit of IG50: community, creativity, and the belief that talent exists everywhere, not just where opportunity traditionally lives.

From left to right in picture: IG50 2026 winners Kye Co, Kundai Nazare, Soham Mane, Don Ho, Rowan Bell & Nawal Abdi

IG50 continues to prove that when barriers are removed, brilliance emerges. It champions those who are too often overlooked, provides direct pathways into employment, and helps build a more inclusive, representative UK games industry. The programme is a reminder that potential is universal; and opportunity should be too.

Boost 2026 is open for studio applications

Our boost programme is the first independently funded paid placement programme that turned untapped working-class talent into measurable regional economic growth. If you've been looking for a smarter, fairer way to bring new talent into your studio, this is for you.

Learn more about the programme and getting involved today!