There’s just over a week left until applications close for this year’s IG50, and if you’re in need of a little more guidance to help you cross the finish line, then here’s what the judges are looking for in a winning application!

Want to learn more about the IG50? Head to our website

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Our mission at Into Games is to build a more equitable pathway into the games industry, and the IG50 is part of that vision by reducing barriers that working class and low-income applicants experience. So the very first step is to check that you tick the boxes for IG50’s eligibility!

• You either live in the UK and/or have the right to work in the UK.
• You are not in full-time education past August 2026.
• You come from a working-class or low-income background.
• You haven’t worked in games before or are trying to re-enter the sector in a vastly different role.

If you’re unsure if you qualify, the FAQ page breaks everything down clearly.

Step 2: Choose your dream role

What would the name of your perfect job in the industry be? If you’re not 100% certain on what that name would be, take a look at the Entry Level Skills Hub, a collaborative platform designed to offer detailed insight into various entry-level roles in the games industry. Once you have that role, be sure to add it to the top of your CV! Speaking of...

Step 3: Produce an Updated CV or LinkedIn Profile

This alongside your portfolio is your time to stand out from the other applicants! So we’re giving you the insider information on what will help you level up your CV and portfolio.

• Your “About Me” blurb mentions your dream role.
• Less than 50% of your “About Me” is likely true for most applicants.
• Your most relevant experience is high up on your CV.
• You have included some of the more important core tasks/skills that are mentioned on your dream roles’ job description. (Check out the Entry Level Skills Hub to find these skills!)
• All of your links work and can be opened in an incognito tab.
• Less than 20% of your CV includes details that are irrelevant to your dream role.
• You demonstrate these soft skills:
• Ability to work in a team
• Take ownership
• A willingness to learn
• Openness to feedback
• Ability to organise yourself/others.

Step 4: Have a portfolio or work sample ready

Your CV gets judges interested; your portfolio seals the deal. Here’s what’s going to make your portfolio or work sample sparkle:

• Your dream role and portfolio are fully aligned.
• You show or mention the following:
• When you made it
• Why you made it
• Software/Tools used
• Your process (3+ steps)
• If the project was solo or team based
• Outcome or impact on project
• What you learned
• What you’d do differently next time

Step 5: Feeling a bit stuck? Watch our Elevate Sessions!

If you’re in need of a little motivation, why not revisit our recordings of previous Elevate Sessions on YouTube. These helpful sessions are here to give you insight from industry experts on how to improve your CV and portfolio for specific categories:

• Game Design Session with Jonathon Wilson (Hanger 13) Watch it here (starting at 00:19)
• Games Art Session with Louise Andrew (d3T) - Watch it here (starting at 01:17)
• Technical / Programming Session with Nikky Armstrong (Flaming Fowl Studios) - Watch it here (starting at 02:18)
• Community Management Session with James Gallagher (Keywords Studios) – Watch it here (starting at 03:17)

Step 6: Ace the first question

“Which skills make you a great candidate for this role?” (Max characters: 800)

Here’s what to keep in mind when answering this question about what experience, tools and transferable skills make you a great match for your dream role.

• Focus on key words that are in your dream roles job description and work them into your answer.
• Don’t just list actions; bring evidence and show impact.
• We can learn more from our mistakes than our successes. Don’t be afraid to show things that didn’t go well and what you learned from the experience.
• Showcase a mix of both hard and soft skills!
• Dealing with feedback is a crucial aspect for all jobs; consider how you can showcase your skill in this.

Step 7: Now ace the second question!

“Tell us about one project you worked on to grow your skills for this role: What is the project & what did it teach you?” (Max characters: 600)

This project may be something you worked on from a course or degree, or it could be a passion project such as a game jam or a solo project. Here are some things to consider in your answer:

• If you haven’t heard of the STAR method, this may be beneficial to help structure your answers.
• Focus on a problem that occurred during the project and why.
• Showcase trial and error in your answer
• Add what you learned from the project, and what you will continue to do better in because of it.
• Add the impact your work had on the wider project
• Bonus: what are you curious to learn next after this project?

Lastly, Step 8 - HIT SUBMIT!

Take a deep breath and click that button. That’s it! Your hard work is done, and now all that’s left is to wait and hear back from us about your application.

We’re wishing you the best of luck - remember to check out the FAQ page on the IG50 website if you’re unsure on anything, and check out last year’s winners stories whilst you’re there!

IG50 2026 applications are open until Sunday, 24th May 2026. Apply Now