✨Code Coven✨

Say hello to Panda Cat Games,a UK independent studio joining Aurora 2026 programme.

Say hello to Panda Cat Games, joining Aurora 2026.

A UK indie studio crafting rich, heartfelt experiences designed to stay with players long after they put the controller down.

In Aurora, they’ll keep building Spirits of Heartwood, blending exploration and story.

Announcement:
Say hello to Dream Cassette Studios, part of the Aurora 2026 Programme.

This UK independent studio builds creative games with heart and strong design.

During Aurora, they are growing Resonance, a game shaped by atmospheric sound, rhythm and immersive exploration.

Say hello to Studio Morgan, joining the Aurora 2026 Programme

Based in the UK, the indie team creates original, story-driven games for all players. They’re developing Slay Another Day, a fast-paced action game full of exciting combat and bold character moments.

Excited to support them!

Lost Wanderer Games joins the Aurora 2026 Programme 🎮

The UK-based indie studio creates inclusive, story-led games and is developing The Rhythm Seeker, a 2.5D rhythm action adventure blending side-scrolling, music, and character-driven moments.

Excited to support their journey

Events and awards can help games get noticed.

This week in Aurora, teams are learning from Tara Mustapha and Nick Button-Brown on how to pitch clearly and make the most of showcases and industry opportunities.

Special thanks to BFI (Britsh Film Institute) for your support.

Sparks: Game Changers - by Ardán & Code Coven - Applications Open! | Ardán

For underrepresented genders in the Republic of Ireland.

⏰ Apply by 8 Feb, 11:59pm GMT

🔗 ardan.ie/funding/game...

Still deciding? Here’s what you’ll gain:
- Polished professional intro
- Value statements for negotiations
- Mock interview experience
- Industry specific job hunting strategies
- Supportive peer network and guest speakers

Apply by 8 Feb 11:59pm GMT

⏰ 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝟭𝟭:𝟱𝟵𝗽𝗺, 𝗦𝘂𝗻 𝟴 𝗙𝗲𝗯 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Sparks: Game Changers is an online career development programme for people of underrepresented genders in the Irish games industry, focused on confidence, self-advocacy and job readiness.

Apply 👉 tally.so/r/LZK5V1

Funding a game takes more than a good idea. This week in Aurora,teams are learning from Emily Bailey, Co-Founder at Jeco & Antler Studios, about grants, investors, publishers, and how to approach funding strategically.

Special thanks to @BFI for supporting the Aurora programme.

Sparks: Game Changers - by Ardán & Code Coven - Applications Open! | Ardán

⚡️ Applications are now open for Sparks: Game Changers, a new pilot programme by Ardán x Code Coven, supported by Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland.

🗓️ Applications close 8 February 2026
🔗 Apply via ardan.ie/funding/game...

A playable build is more than a milestone , it’s how you prove your vision.
This week, Aurora teams learn from Sally Blake, CEO at Silent Games, on planning purposeful builds, staying aligned as a team, and choosing the right features at the right time.
Thanks to BFI for supporting

This week in Aurora, the teams are learning from V. B. on Building Momentum with Marketing and Community.

They’re exploring how to plan their marketing, work with press and influencers, and build strong player communities that support their games.

Thanks to BFI for the support.

Building a sustainable studio is more than hiring, it’s about a team that grows, collaborates, and avoids burnout. This week in Aurora, Dana Ramnarine of rhum.hr guides teams on leadership, delegation & building a resilient core. Thanks to BFI for the support!

Knowing your market is key to giving your game the best chance to succeed. This week in Aurora, the teams are learning from Aaron Morley of Sumo Digital on how to analyse competitors, understand player needs and position their games wisely. Thanks to BFI for supporting the programme.

Sustainable studios don’t just make great games, they understand the business behind them. This week in Aurora, teams are learning financial modelling, forecasting & investor comms with Dhosjan Greenaway-Dalini (Fractional CFO & Startup Advisor). Thanks to @BFI for supporting!

A strong creative studio starts with knowing how to protect your work, manage contracts & build trusted partnerships. This week in Aurora, teams learn from Julian Ward & Lois Child of Lee & Thompson LLP about IP, contracts & business growth. Thanks to BFI for the support!

In Aurora this week, teams are learning from Tara Mustapha (Code Coven) on how to bring structure to game production. They’re exploring roadmaps, player-centred design, and budgeting to build stronger games and healthier studios. Big thanks to BFI for making this possible.

Say hello to Glowfrog Games! A UK studio crafting cozy, story-driven experiences with heart. In Aurora 2025 cohort, they’ll keep building Pieced Together — a scrapbooking puzzle about friendship, memory & growing older. Excited to walk with them in this chapter!

Meet Fast Loris Studios, one of the amazing teams in the Aurora 2025 Pilot. This UK-based studio is behind Walkies: Tails of the Sanctuary 🐾 — a whimsical adventure starring Bailey the rescue beagle. We’re thrilled to support their creative, community-driven journey!

Meet team @hologramghost.bsky.social, part of the Aurora 2025 Pilot! This UK studio is fearless in blending bold ideas with thoughtful narrative design. Through Aurora, they’re developing Nothing’s Ever Really Dead — a story of identity, choice & transformation. Proud to be on this journey with them

Building a sustainable studio starts with smart business decisions. This week in Aurora, teams learn from Alex Nicholson (Uwu Biz) on forecasting, risk prep & making strong business cases. Thanks BFI for supporting

A key part of Aurora is helping teams pitch with confidence—whether to investors, at events, or online. This week, V.B. leads Presenting Yourself With Confidence, guiding teams on branding, presence & impact. Thanks to BFI for supporting Aurora!

Our teams are diving into their first Aurora Programme module: Funding Your Game. Emily Bailey, with 6+ years in games and $2.5M raised, is guiding them through grants, publishers, VCs, and crowdfunding. It’s all about finding the right people at the right time. Thanks to BFI for their support!

🎉Aurora 2025 is officially underway! We kicked off the pilot programme on 25 Aug with our partners, board, contributors & community. The teams are already diving into their first modules — exciting times ahead! Watch this space for team announcements.

Not all magic is loud. Cinzia Musio @geekybaking.bsky.social moves with purpose, reshaping the industry from the inside out. From guest speaker to Co-CEO to CIC Board NED, their impact runs deep. A DEI strategist and systems thinker, they help us build braver, better futures. Grateful for them.

We’re so excited to welcome the brilliant Michael Johnson @mikewho.bsky.social to the Code Coven Academy CIC Advisory Board! As founder of Hightail Media, MJ brings Emmy-nominated creative strategy, a track record of centering underrepresented voices, and pushing boundaries in games and media.

From mentee to mentor, cohort to co-founder — Emily Bailey is everything Code Coven stands for. She started in our ELEVATE Accelerator, and now leads JECO and Antler Games, with Project Grove on the horizon. Today, she’s on our Academy CIC Advisory Board, shaping the very programs that shaped her.

Steph Clayton has been quietly shaping Code Coven since day one — steady, thoughtful, and deeply supportive. She’s one of those rare people whose influence is felt more than seen. We’re excited to have her officially join our Code Coven Academy CIC Advisory Board as we enter this next chapter.

Excited to welcome Dana Ramnarine to the Code Coven Academy CIC Advisory Board! As COO at Rhum HR, Dana brings brilliant insight and deep empathy to everything she does. She’s already helped shape Aurora’s curriculum, and now joins us to drive equity and inclusion even further. Grateful to have her.