If you've been looking for a smarter, fairer way to bring new talent into your studio, we've got something for you.

Expressions of Interest are now open for Boost 2026!

Boost is Into Games' fully funded paid placement programme connecting UK games studios with exceptional early-career talent from working-class and low-income backgrounds.

What is Boost?

Boost sits at the heart of our annual IG50 Awards, the UK's only national awards programme recognising close-to-work games talent from underrepresented and underresourced backgrounds. Every year, IG50 receives over a thousand applications assessed by a panel of industry professionals. The strongest candidates don't just win an award. They become eligible for Boost.

That means when you sign up as a Boost employer, you're not trawling through an open call. You're choosing from a pre-vetted shortlist of people who have already proven themselves, candidates who are skilled, work-ready, and looking for their first real break in the industry.

We fully fund their salary at Real Living Wage rates for a no obligation placement of between one and a half to three months. You provide meaningful work, mentorship, and the chance to show what they can do so they can enrich their CV and supercharge their employability.

What did studios say about the 2025 pilot?

We ran Boost for the first time in 2025, and the results spoke for themselves.

102 UK studios applied for 11 available places - nine times oversubscribed, in the programme's first year. Every single studio that participated said they would recommend Boost to others. Eight of eleven candidates moved into paid or freelance work following their placement, with three retained directly by their host studio.

Studios told us repeatedly there's no better, more impactful, cheaper, or fairer way to try out new talent - risk-free - for a new role or a freelance contract. We'll take that.

2026 Timeline

• April to June: IG50 Recruitment and Judging
• Early July: IG50 Winners 2026 announced
• Mid-July to Late August: Boost Matching Period
• August to December: Boost Placements take place

What happens when I sign up?

You'll receive a full Boost timeline update in late June or early July. From mid-July, we'll invite you into the matching process, where you can apply directly for the candidates who catch your eye, or talk to us to get a tailored recommendation based on your role and location. From there, we'll work with you and your matched candidate to agree a bespoke placement timeline that works for everyone.

Ready to get involved?

Visit the Boost FAQ for Employers 2026 for everything you need to know - and register your Expression of Interest to secure your place in the process.

Register for the EOI here.