Into Games, a non-profit community interest company, aims to raise £100,000 this year to address the class disparity in the UK gaming sector. The company notes that jobseekers from a working-class background are eight times less likely to get a job in the industry.
The company’s mission is clearly articulated on their Game Plan 2024 webpage: “We’re raising £100,000 to make 2024 the year we move the needle on social mobility in the UK games sector.”
Overcoming Barriers
Established in 2019, Into Games has made significant strides in connecting 100,000 young people with industry professionals, providing free places to UK game career events for those from low-income backgrounds, and upskilling over 100 schools across the country.
These initiatives aim to combat the inequality between class backgrounds in the UK gaming sector, where over 30% of game staff come from selective, independent, or fee-paying schools, which is five times the UK average.
In 2024, Into Games plans to support at least 160 school opportunities, reach 20,000 young people, and create an open-source educational pack. Joining forces with UK non-profit Ukie, they will relaunch the Videogames Ambassadors with a new online platform for schools and game sector staff.
Starting in January 2024, Into Games will introduce a £30,000 bursary for working-class young people, providing funding for equipment, events, and training. The funds will be distributed in quarterly releases.
On LinkedIn, Into Games stated: “Game Plan 2024 is our strategic roadmap, laying out our ambitious impact plans to support our mission of building a fair and inclusive pathway into the games and immersive industries. We’re calling on the games sector to join us on that journey!”
Riot Games recently announced its Social Impact Fund milestone, having raised $50 million in support of nonprofits, communities, and organizations worldwide.
