On the latest episode, we speak with Brandon Cole and Millicent Thomas of Into Games. They discuss the lack of industry diversity, how they’re working to open up pathways for careers in games, and how remote working is increasing brand participation and engagement.
Co-founders Declan Cassidy and Kirsty Rigden married up their teaching and professional experience to create a movement that helps to build partnerships between the games industry and UK educators.
“We have an industry which is 90% educated to at least undergraduate level, with a very high socio-economic barrier as well,” states Brandon. “When we first started, young people weren’t getting industry touch points. There was a real lack of resources and industry engagement. Declan and Kirsty undertook a long research project to determine what the core pillars of Into Games would be and how we could ensure we had the biggest impact possible.” The preparation phase seems to have worked wonders. With an expanding base of original and informative content – including a new podcast series, industry Q&As, regular game jams via Side Quest, and a free online platform for connecting youth organisations with the UK games industry (the Video Game Ambassadors) – they’re firing on all cylinders to ensure that the video game industry is accessible like never before.
