Meet the UK's 2026 video game BAFTA Breakthroughs

BAFTA has unveiled its 2026 Breakthrough cohort, selecting 21 creatives across film, games, and television for career development and industry access. The initiative provides recipients with mentorship, networking events, and full BAFTA membership, supported by Netflix. This year’s games cohort includes five professionals whose work spans writing, directing, design, and performance. The programme aims to support emerging talent by connecting them with established figures and resources to foster long-term careers in the creative industries.

Eloise Singer, writer and director of The Pirate Queen: No Safe Waters, discussed her eighth attempt at joining the programme before her selection. She highlighted the collaborative nature of game development and the emotional reward of seeing players engage with her work. Singer also praised the opportunity to bridge film, games, and immersive storytelling through the initiative, with access to BAFTA and Netflix networks. Her studio is expanding the franchise next year with a new game, graphic novel, and international tour.

Husban Siddiqi, game director of Rogue Eclipse, reflected on his lifelong passion for gaming and the creative fulfilment of making games. He credited Innersloth’s indie fund for supporting his debut project and emphasised the value of community in independent development. Siddiqi aims to use the Breakthrough programme to mentor others entering the industry, drawing on his own experiences of receiving support early in his career.

Kate Killick, CEO and creative director of Glowfrog Games, described the Breakthrough initiative as a chance to connect with industry leaders and raise visibility for her studio. Her debut title, Pieced Together, launched after three years of development, and she is now working on a second game centred on collecting seaglass mosaics. Killick views the programme as a means to build on her studio’s recognition and continue creating games that resonate with audiences.