University of Staffordshire is in the running for a bumper number of awards at the TIGA Games Industry Awards 2025
Two games made by students on the 1UP placement programme are shortlisted
We’re proud to be seen as a hub for games talent in the UK. These nominations prove that the next generation of game developers from Staffordshire are already making their mark and that they can compete with the very best in the industry.
University of Staffordshire is in the running for a bumper number of awards at the TIGA Games Industry Awards 2025.
Staffordshire Games Institute is shortlisted seven times across six categories at the annual event organised by TIGA, the trade association representing the UK video games industry.
The awards celebrate creative, technical and business excellence in the UK games sector, highlighting the achievements of studios, publishers, educational institutions, and service providers across a wide range of categories.
University of Staffordshire is home to the largest games department in the UK and two of its student made video games are shortlisted against industry competitors. Disc-Go! is a finalist in the ‘Social Game’ category alongside Crab Sticks, which is also shortlisted for the ‘Casual Game’ and ‘Creativity In Games’ awards.
Both games were developed as part of the University’s 1UP programme, which employs 30 students each year to run its in-house games studio. The summer placement scheme brings together students from various levels of study to produce market ready games and gain hands-on experience in a professional environment.
The University is also recognised in the ‘Education Initiative’ category for its Developer Mode video series, where academics put on practical masterclasses and insightful talks to introduce viewers to the world behind game development.
After winning ‘Best Educational Institution’ last year, University of Staffordshire is once again in the running for the prestigious accolade, while Professor Chris Headleand, Head of Staffordshire Games Institute, is up for the ‘Outstanding Leadership Award’.
Professor Headleand said: “Being recognised across so many categories is a huge honour and reinforces our reputation as a leader in games education and as a partner to the wider industry.
“We’re proud to be seen as a hub for games talent in the UK. These nominations prove that the next generation of game developers from Staffordshire are already making their mark and that they can compete with the very best in the industry.”
Winners will be announced at the TIGA Games Industry Awards ceremony in London on Tuesday 4 November. Discover more about Staffordshire Games Institute at www.staffs.ac.uk/go/games