Game changing podcast scoops national diversity award

A podcast that raises the volume of underrepresented voices in games sector has won a national award. 

Game Changers is led by University of Staffordshire’s Dr Sharon Coleclough and launched last year in association with Women in Games.

Last week, the podcast won the ‘Diversity and Inclusion’ award at the TIGA Games Education Awards 2025, which recognise outstanding students, excellent education providers and best practice.

Now in its second series, the podcast’s mission is to diversify the voices and the experiences associated with games – whether that is making them, playing them or teaching them.

Episodes have covered a variety of topics from the female perspective, queer experience and global majority representation, always putting personal stories at the forefront of the discussion.

Sharon said: “Seeing yourself in the journey or experience of another person is so vital.

“Knowing that someone is doing the job role you want and that they have some similar thoughts, feelings or important realisations which speak to you makes you feel a bit less alone.”

Discussing success, failure, imposter syndrome, racism, sexism and mental health, among many other topics, each episode hears from women and allies who want to create a more equal industry.

Guests have included head of marketing at Astra Games Megan Carriker, senior designer at Rare Nina Kin, and games designer Izzy Kestrel. As well as academics and researchers from University of Staffordshire’s Games Institute.

Sharon continued: “Winning the TIGA Games Education Award for inclusion with the Game Chargers podcast means a huge amount.

“It's really a labour of love, finding and amplifying voices from the games industry from less represented groups and hearing about their journeys.

“I'm super grateful to Staffordshire Games Institute for supporting the project. And to my colleagues and our industry contacts for being so very generous with their time and so open about their own journeys in game.”

Professor Chris Headleand, Head of Staffordshire Games Institute, added: “We’re really proud of the work Sharon has put into this podcast, and it’s fantastic to see it recognised by TIGA.

“Representation and feeling seen is so important, especially for those who are just starting to explore a career in games.

“Game Changers has created a space where voices that don't always have a platform in our sector can take centre stage.

“If people listen and feel that they belong in the games industry, that they are welcome, then the podcast has achieved something powerful.”

Listen to Game Changers podcast or discover more about Staffordshire Games Institute. 

Pictured from left to right: Guests Jamie Nicholas and Professor Esther MacCallum-Stewart with Dr Sharon Coleclough