Empowering Marginalised Game Developers: Tara Mustapha's Vision for a More Inclusive Industry

Tara Mustapha, founder and CEO of Code Coven, has been announced as part of the 2025 Ensemble cohort. The initiative, curated by author and artistic director Sharna Jackson, showcases underrepresented games professionals in the UK. Mustapha's journey in the industry began after dropping out of university, when she started working at Backbone Entertainment in 2005. She then worked as a game designer and producer for several companies, including Electronic Arts and Microsoft Game Studios, before co-founding Glow Up Games in 2018. The same year, Mustapha established Code Coven, a global accelerator and academy aimed at supporting underrepresented developers. The organisation provides a platform for these developers to demonstrate their skills, connect with industry professionals, and secure funding for their projects. Mustapha describes Code Coven as an 'ecosystem' rather than a training program, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the barriers faced by marginalised developers. She explains that the lack of infrastructure to support these developers led to the creation of Code Coven, which focuses on providing education, funding, mentorship, and industry connections. The organisation's programs, such as Aurora, aim to help developers build sustainable studios and create a more resilient and innovative industry. Mustapha emphasises the importance of intentional opportunity and access to capital, mentorship, and community for underrepresented developers. She also stresses that talent alone is not enough in the industry, and that Code Coven's goal is to ensure that the next generation of game developers do not face the same challenges she did. The Aurora Accelerator and Agency, which received £510,000 from the BFI National Lottery Innovation Challenge, provide industry feedback, mentorship, and guidance to help developers navigate the games funding process and broker favourable deals. Mustapha highlights the need for a more supportive network and ethical investments in the industry, particularly during times of crisis. She argues that the current business model prioritises rapid expansion over long-term sustainability, leading to layoffs and studio closures. However, she believes that investing in underrepresented talent and creating sustainable studios can lead to a more resilient and diverse industry. Mustapha notes that while progress has been made, the core structural issues remain, and that diversity, equity, and inclusion must be embedded into the industry's business model. She concludes that the industry is at a turning point, and that prioritising diversity and sustainability will be crucial for its future success.