What are the Video Games Ambassadors?

The games industry is growing rapidly and is quickly becoming one of the most promising sectors for young people to aspire to work in. With over 50000 people currently working in the industry, year-on-year growth, and over 150 different disciplines available - it is the most dynamic, accessible, and rewarding industry in the creative sector.

Young people are also more interested than ever in both playing games, and the prospect of working in the games industry. The VGAs aims to democratise access to careers information, guidance, and role models for a generation of young people keen to learn more about the industry.

Unfortunately, the games industry is not representative of women, BIPOC, and those from low-income backgrounds compared with the working population. The Video Games Ambassadors exists to inspire the next generation of diverse games industry talent, from groups currently underrepresented in the industry.

The Video Games Ambassadors is run by:

Ukie - the non-profit trade association for the games industry in the United Kingdom.

Into Games - the non-profit careers service for the games industry, bridging the gap between industry and education for young people underrepresented in the sector.

The Video Games Ambassadors exists to help bring young people closer to the games industry, across a number of different activities and all educational levels.

Opportunities include but are not limited to:

• Careers/Assembly Talks
• Workshop Delivery
• Masterclasses
• Lectures
• Video/Content Creation
• Curriculum Development
• Game Jams
• Panel Discussions

As long as you’re an organisation that works with young people, the Video Games Ambassadors is completely free for you to use. This includes but is not necessarily limited to:

• Schools
• Colleges
• Universities
• Youth Clubs
• Local Authorities
• Non-profit organisations
• Charities
• Other Youth Organisations

The Video Games Ambassadors represent all careers and disciplines in the games industry - both inside and outside of core game development roles. If you’re not sure what roles there are in the games industry, check out the careers page on intogames.org for more information.

The Video Games Ambassadors is a completely free program, and always will be. It is wholly funded by Ukie, and run by Into Games.

Those who sign up to the Video Games Ambassadors are required to give personal information, including their place of employment and contact details. We choose to work with reputable organisations that we trust, and that trust their employees.

At present, all Video Games Ambassador volunteering is conducted completely virtually, using platforms managed by the educational institution.

If your organisation has specific safeguarding requirements for virtual outreach, including DBS and Disclosure certificates - those should be handled on a case-by-case basis with the Video Game Ambassador, as it is not a requirement they have these before joining the program.

Feel free to reach out to us at any time with your questions and queries to brandon@intogames.org

The VGAs platform is purpose-built to be easy to use and fast - this means it takes only 5-8 minutes to sign up, search for an opportunity, and connect with an educational institution. 

We regularly send updates on new opportunities via email to ensure you are always connected with upcoming events and initiatives.

Our VGA network consists of primary and secondary schools, advocacy and impact organisations, youth centres and more. We actively work in areas where the VGAs can have the most social impact - this means you can expect to work with a diverse cohort of young people, the majority from groups underrepresented in the industry.

Anything from supporting a school game jam project, delivering a masterclass on your craft for college students, to mentoring a young person driven to working in the games industry. The VGAs hosts any and all opportunities where game development skills can help empower and educate young people interested in learning more about the industry.

Typically volunteer opportunities will be during school hours, and take no longer than one hour of your time. You should have a commitment to empowering the next generation of young game developers, and be enthusiastic about working with young people. The VGA platform encourages digital opportunities that utilise livestreaming/video conferencing technology.

The VGA is run by UKIE and Into Games. Into Games is the national youth careers service for the videogames industry. Since 2018, we’ve provided guidance to thousands of young people who are looking to achieve a rewarding role in the sector. We primarily work with those from underrepresented groups to create meaningful experiences that help inspire and guide the next generation of game makers, supporting learners from primary school all the way into work.

The VGA platform is completely free to use for VGAs and Opportunity Providers, supported by Ukie.