A fundraising campaign called the EGX Full-Ride Fund has been launched to help low-income and marginalized game developers in the UK attend EGX 2023. The initiative, which has no official association with EGX or its organizers, was created by Dan Ahern, a former low-income member of the game industry. The campaign aims to fund five game developers from anywhere in the UK to travel to and attend EGX and also cover their accommodation and subsistence costs. The scheme was inspired by Into Games’ UK Games Events Bursary Scheme, which raised funds to provide tickets for care leavers and people with a low income.
“People from these groups are often unable to attend expensive industry events, let alone the rising costs of transport and accommodation,” said Ahern. “Games industry events can be hugely beneficial for career growth, and until the industry collectively works together to make them more affordable, the onus is on those of us who are in a position of financial and social privilege to do what we can to bridge that gap.”
The EGX Full-Ride Fund hopes to create a more inclusive game industry by supporting those who might not otherwise be able to afford to attend industry events. As Ahern said, “I want to use my privilege to help those who may not be as lucky as I am, to give them the best possible chance to succeed in this industry without financial or logistical barriers stopping them from doing so. The games industry must be open to all.”
Ahern is also reaching out to studios and companies to see if they’re willing to make a financial contribution to the bursary scheme. The campaign has already surpassed its original fundraising goal of £4,900.
