This is a press release posted alongside our usual editorial content.

TIGA, the trade association representing the UK’s video games industry, has revealed the winners of the TIGA UK Games Education Awards 2026.

These awards recognise outstanding students, exemplary lecturers, excellent education providers and best practice.

Dr Richard Wilson OBE, TIGA CEO, said: “It is a privilege to reveal the Games Education Awards Hall of Fame. The winners of the TIGA Games Education Awards include outstanding learners and lecturers, excellent providers and best practice in education. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists.”

GAMES EDUCATION AWARDS 2026

Winner: TIGA Most Outstanding Graduate of the Year: Artist

Natalia Budzich, BA (Hons) Games Art, Manchester Metropolitan University

TIGA Outstanding Graduate of the Year Finalists: Artist

Winner: TIGA Most Outstanding Graduate of the Year: Audio

Lewis Melia, BSc Computer Gameplay Design and Production, University of Staffordshire

TIGA Outstanding Graduate of the Year Finalists: Audio

Winner: TIGA Most Outstanding Graduate of the Year: Computer Games Technology

Jools Davies, BSc (Hons) Games Design, Bournemouth University

TIGA Outstanding Graduate of the Year Finalists: Computer Games Technology

Winner: TIGA Most Outstanding Graduate of the Year: Designer 

Michael Hennessy, BA (Hons) Computer Games Design, University of Portsmouth

TIGA Outstanding Graduate of the Year Finalists: Designer

Winner: TIGA Most Outstanding Graduate of the Year: Programmer  

James Day, BSc Games Programming, University of Staffordshire

TIGA Outstanding Graduate of the Year Finalists: Programmer

Winner: TIGA Most Outstanding Graduate of the Year Finalist: Production / Enterprise 

Holly Gilles, BA (Hons) Game Development and Production, Abertay University

TIGA Graduate of the Year Finalists: Production / Enterprise

Winner: TIGA Most Outstanding Post-Graduate of the Year:

Batool Bani Irshid, MA Games Development (Art), Anglia Ruskin University

TIGA Post-Graduate of the Year Finalists:

Winner: TIGA Most Outstanding BTEC Learner of the Year Finalist:

Mea Bezuidenhout, BTEC Level 3 Extended diploma Games Design, Leeds City College.

TIGA BTEC Learner of the Year Finalists:

Innovative Teaching: Team

Winner: University of Portsmouth: Computer Game courses

Finalists:

• Abertay University
• University of Portsmouth: Computer Game courses
• University of Staffordshire: Game Design, the CoLab Delivery Team

Innovative Teaching: Lecturer, Head of Department or Dean

Winner: Anna Limpens, Principal Lecturer and Course Leader, University of Portsmouth

Finalists:

• Anna Limpens, Principal Lecturer and Course Leader, University of Portsmouth
• Anthony Martin, Senior Lecturer and Course Leader, University of Staffordshire
• Professor Christopher Headleand, Head of Games Design and Technology, University of Staffordshire
• Davin Ward, Course Director, University of Staffordshire
• David Edwards, Course Director, University of Staffordshire
• Peter Blenkham, Lecturer, University of Greenwich
• Nathan Dewell, Senior Lecturer and Course Leader, Birmingham City University

Excellence in University – Industry Collaboration

Winner: University of Staffordshire

Finalists:

• Birmingham City University
• University of Greenwich
• University of Portsmouth
• University of Staffordshire

Excellence in Games Research

Winner: University of Staffordshire: StaffsVerse

Finalists:
·                     Norwich University of the Arts: Dr Dean Bowman – Senior Lecturer in Game Studies

• University of Portsmouth: Millicent (Dolly) Widdows – Student
• University of Staffordshire: Alex Briggs (Student)
• Staffordshire Games Institute (University of Staffordshire): StaffsVerse
• University of Surrey: Dr Jon Weinel – Programme Leader and Senior Lecturer – Games Design

Diversity and Inclusion Award

Winner: University of the West of England

Finalists:

• Manchester Metropolitan University
• University of Surrey
• University of the West of England

Best Student Game

Winner: Loose Juice, Abertay University

Finalists:

• Abertay University: Loose Juice
• Birmingham City University: Sluggers
• Bournemouth University: Don’t Croak
• Escape Studios: Project Umbrae
• London College of Communication: Gridwalker
• London Metropolitan University: Bunker Bonk
• University of Greenwich: Spectral Evidence
• University of Hertfordshire: Trials of the Past
• University of Portsmouth: Voidloop
• University of Staffordshire: Pelagia
• University of Surrey: Ditsy Bitsy!
• University of the West of England: Pantomime Horse Obstacle Course