The London Games Festival has announced its Ensemble 2026 cohort, shining a spotlight on eight standout creatives helping shape the future of the global video games industry. The flagship initiative returns as part of the festival’s commitment to elevating Black, Asian and underrepresented ethnic talent across game development and creative disciplines.

Curated by award-winning author and Artistic Director Sharna Jackson, Ensemble continues to showcase the full spectrum of games industry roles, from directors and writers to audio designers, producers, and community leaders. The 2026 selection highlights individuals whose work spans major studios, indie development, narrative design, and emerging creative platforms.

The cohort will be unveiled publicly on April 13 at Trafalgar Square, with further appearances scheduled during the festival’s New Game Plus event on April 16. Following the London showcase, the exhibition will tour additional venues across the United Kingdom.

Ensemble 2026 highlights diverse creative leadership across games industry

This year’s cohort features professionals with experience across some of the industry’s most recognizable titles and studios. Among them is game director HaZ Dulull, known for work involving Unreal Engine and projects including Dune Awakening cinematics and Disney productions, alongside indie work such as Astro Burn.

Narrative designer Charlie Webb brings two decades of experience across major franchises including Civilization VI, Mafia III, and Gears of War: Judgment, while also advocating for early-career developers and workers’ rights in the industry.

Other selected creatives include Charmie Kim, a game lead at Supercell; Deanne Pierre-Pacquette, a content creator and founder of creator agency Beyond; and Sara Veal, a community and culture producer and Chair of GamesAid.

Also featured are educator and indie developer Harun Ali, known for his mentorship work and contributions to titles such as Human Fall Flat 2; Creative Director Jennifer Estaris, whose credits include Monument Valley 3 and Subway Surfers; and audio specialist Christopher White, whose portfolio spans VR, AAA, and indie projects.

London Games Festival strengthens commitment to representation in gaming

London Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries Justine Simons OBE praised the initiative, describing Ensemble as a key platform for ensuring London’s diversity is reflected in the global games sector. She highlighted the festival’s broader role in positioning London as a leading hub for gaming innovation.

Sharna Jackson emphasized the importance of sustained representation in the industry, noting that diverse talent plays a crucial role in building richer and more innovative gaming experiences. She also stressed the need for long-term support, development, and retention of underrepresented creators.

Supported by Games London and the Mayor of London, Ensemble aims to amplify new voices, shift industry perceptions, and inspire future generations of game developers.

Eight creatives selected for Ensemble 2026 cohort

• HaZ Dulull – Game director and founder of Beyond The Pixels
• Charlie Webb – Narrative designer and BAFTA-nominated writer
• Charmie Kim – Game lead at Supercell
• Deanne Pierre-Pacquette – Content creator and agency founder
• Sara Veal – Community producer and Chair of GamesAid
• Harun Ali – Educator, indie developer, and mentor
• Jennifer Estaris – Creative Director and studio founder
• Christopher White – Games audio specialist and studio MD

Each selected creator represents a different facet of the industry, from technical development and storytelling to community building, education, and audio design.

Festival showcases and touring exhibition

The Ensemble 2026 installation will debut at Trafalgar Square on April 13 before appearing at New Game Plus on April 16. The exhibition will then tour across the UK, extending its reach beyond London and continuing its mission to highlight diverse voices in gaming.

Alongside Ensemble, the London Games Festival will continue to host panels, showcases, and industry events designed to promote innovation and inclusivity across the global games sector.