Tara Mustapha's Mission to Empower Marginalized Developers and Foster Sustainable Game Studios

The London Games Festival recently unveiled its 2025 Ensemble initiative, featuring a new group of underrepresented games professionals in the UK. Among them is Tara Mustapha, founder and CEO of Code Coven, who began her career in the gaming industry at Backbone Entertainment in 2005. After working as a game designer and producer for companies like Electronic Arts and Microsoft Game Studios, Mustapha co-founded Glow Up Games in 2018 and established Code Coven the same year. Code Coven is an ecosystem designed to help underrepresented developers showcase their skills and talents, leading to industry opportunities, connections, and funding. Mustapha explains that she created Code Coven out of necessity, due to the lack of infrastructure supporting marginalized developers. The organization ensures that these developers have access to education, funding, mentorship, and industry connections. Mustapha describes Code Coven as a platform that provides intentional opportunities, mentorship, and community to underrepresented talent. With programs like Aurora, Code Coven is helping developers build sustainable studios that can thrive in the long term. The Aurora Accelerator offers industry feedback and mentorship, while the Aurora Agency provides guidance on brokering deals and connecting with industry professionals. Mustapha emphasizes the importance of supporting marginalized developers, particularly during times of crisis in the industry. She believes that investing in underrepresented talent can lead to more resilient and innovative studios that reflect the global gaming audience. Despite the challenges facing the industry, Mustapha remains optimistic, noting an increase in funding opportunities and a shift towards sustainability. She sees this as a fundamental shift in how the industry operates and an opportunity to create a more inclusive and diverse gaming landscape.