About the Games Leadership Network
he Games Leadership Network is a community-driven initiative aimed at supporting, connecting, and empowering leaders across the games industry. Whether you’re an established leader or an emerging talent, we’re here to foster your growth, share insights, and create opportunities for learning and collaboration.
Our mission is to make leadership in the games industry more accessible and inclusive. We believe that strong, well-supported leaders are the foundation of successful teams, healthy company cultures, and a thriving industry. Through free events, workshops, and resources, we provide the space and guidance for leaders to share their experiences, navigate challenges, and inspire each other.
Our Founder: Melissa Phillips
Melissa Phillips, founder of the Games Leadership Network, has spent over a decade in the Games Industry and nearly 20 years in the Entertainment Industry, helping creative teams overcome challenges and achieve their goals. From leading production teams on award-winning projects to Coaching individuals through their Leadership journey, Melissa's experience encompasses a wide range of roles across the creative industries.
With a passion for helping others succeed, Melissa created the Games Leadership Network to bridge the gap between Leadership theory and real-world practice in the Games Industry. She brings her authentic insights and experience into everything the Network offers, striving to ensure that leaders, regardless of their background or experience level, feel equipped, connected, and supported.
Why Leadership Matters in Games
The UK Games Industry is a significant economic contributor, generating £7.16 billion in consumer spending in 2021, with over 47,000 jobs directly supported across the country (Ukie). Despite this growth, the industry faces significant challenges regarding Leadership Development, with many leaders lacking the necessary training and support to effectively guide their teams through complex creative projects.
Research consistently shows that effective leadership is critical for team success with 70% of Team Engagement being attributed directly to the Quality of the Team Leader (Gallup 2017). According to Deloitte’s Millennial Survey, 63% of millennials feel their leadership skills are not being adequately developed, and this lack of development often drives them to consider leaving their employers within a short timeframe. Millennials are also looking for more development opportunities, with many wanting to see time devoted to leadership development increase from 2.7 hours to 4.5 hours per week
However, many leaders face challenges - 58% of managers say they didn’t receive any management training before stepping into their roles (CareerBuilder, 2018).
The Games Leadership Network aims to address these challenges by providing events, workshops, and resources to equip leaders with the tools, guidance, and community they need. By closing the gap between Leadership theory and practice, we help ensure that Leadership in the games industry evolves to meet the demands of an ever-changing, creative environment.
How You Can Work With Us!
We believe that leadership development is a community effort, and there are several ways you can support and become part of our journey:
Sponsor Future Leaders – Be a Champion for Change
By sponsoring places in our Leadership programmes, you’ll help emerging talent access training and support when they need it most. Sponsorship benefits include:
Brand Visibility: Highlight your organisation as a supporter of games industry leadership.
Exclusive Opportunities: Gain access to our Events, Network with Industry Experts, and help us shape the Leaders of tomorrow.
Get in touch today to explore our custom sponsorship packages and how we might better work together to creat Change in the Games Industry!
3. Donate and Help Us Make a Difference
Your support helps us grow the Leaders of tomorrow in the games industry! Whether you’re an individual looking to contribute or part of a company committed to making an impact, every donation matters.
Individual Donations
Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us continue to create valuable resources, events, and opportunities for aspiring leaders. Click the donate button to contribute directly to our Community Interest Company and become part of our story.
Donate Through Benevity
If your company uses Benevity, you can support us through their platform, making giving simple and impactful. Please search for ‘Games Leadership Network CiC’ on your platform.
2. Join our Community and support our Events!
Become an essential part of our mission!
Join our free Discord community to connect with other leaders and aspiring talent in the games industry. Attend our events to learn, grow, and be inspired - and don’t forget to shout about the work we’re doing!
Your voice can help us spread the message. By sharing our Events, talking about our initiatives, and supporting others in our community, you help us grow and empower more Leaders across the industry.