At one point or another, we’ve all dreamt about breaking into the video game industry. Whether you’re a budding writer or an aspiring character artist, sometimes making that transition from hobbyist to professional can seem impossible. We can but dream.
Grads in Gamesare a global initiative of professionals who help graduates make the leap from student to professional developer, with actionable advice and guidance. Through their work with studios, universities, and industry outreach, they work to ensure the video game industry is ready for thenext generation.
Designed to recognize the work of universities, academics, students, and studios in improving and encouraging graduate employment in the games industry; theGrads in Games Awardsare the first of their kind. Every year the team comes into contact with thousands of students, across the UK and Europe, who are looking to break into the sector. Creating awards for those actively developing the future of the industry seemed the next natural step, and we all love a goodawards ceremony. From studios with market-leading graduate recruitment strategies to educators going the extra mile to nurture creative flair at an early stage, these awards ensure that these efforts do not go unnoticed.
The awards cover categories such as:
Whether you’re a student,lectureror games studio professional, you can now cast your votes atgradsingames.com/awards.
Nominations will close at midnight on June 10, 2025. Shortlists will be released in March and all finalists will be invited to attend the awards presentation to be held at GamesEd on August 05, 2025.GamesEd20is a two-day conference produced by theBritish Games Instituteand held atSheffield Hallam University. The event will bring together leaders from across the gaming, tackling challenges such as employability, diversity, skill diversification, apprenticeships and work placements within thegames industry.
A host of exciting speakers has already been announced for the event, including:
Have you nominated your university for the Grads in Games Awards? Are you looking to break into the video game industry? Let us know in the comments below.
*Editor’s Note: The author of this piece, James Bowers, works forAardvark Swift, parent company ofGrads in Games.
