Games London, a key driver of the UK capital’s video game sector, has unveiled the distinguished lineup for its Ensemble 2026 cohort. This annual initiative, now in its eighth year, continues its mission to spotlight and elevate Black, Asian, and other underrepresented ethnic creators within the British games industry. Curated by author and artistic director Sharna Jackson, Ensemble 2026 aims to shift perceptions and inspire a new generation of diverse talent. The announcement coincides with the London Games Festival, with the cohort’s work set to be exhibited centrally in Trafalgar Square before touring nationally. This article details the eight exceptional individuals selected for this year’s program and explores the broader significance of their recognition for the industry’s future.
About the Ensemble Initiative
Ensemble is a pivotal program led by Games London with support from the Mayor of London. Its core objective is to amplify new voices and showcase the breadth of talent from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds across all game development disciplines. Curator Sharna Jackson describes the initiative as a fundamental step toward building a stronger and more globally relevant industry. By publicly celebrating the vibrant work of these professionals, Ensemble seeks not only to attract diverse talent but also to ensure it is developed and retained. The exhibition serves as a tangible demonstration of the rich and intoxicating worlds that emerge from a more inclusive creative process.
The Ensemble 2026 Exhibition Details
The physical showcase of the Ensemble 2026 cohort will be a centrepiece of the London Games Festival. The exhibition will open to the public in Trafalgar Square on Monday, April 13, offering a high-profile platform for the developers’ work and stories. Following the opening, the cohort will be featured at the New Game Plus event on Thursday, April 16. To extend its reach and impact beyond the capital, the exhibition will subsequently tour various venues across the country, making this celebration of diverse talent accessible to a wider national audience.
Meet the Ensemble 2026 Cohort
This year’s cohort comprises eight industry professionals whose expertise spans game direction, narrative design, studio leadership, community building, and audio production. Their collective credits include some of the industry’s most notable franchises and innovative independent projects.
HaZ Dulull: Game Director and Founder
HaZ Dulull is a game director and the founder of Beyond the Pixels. A multi-hyphenate creative, his credits extend across film, television, and games, including serving as cinematics director for the highly anticipated Dune Awakening. His work on The Rap Game UK Fortnite Experience and a Disney series further highlights his cross-media prowess. Recognised by Epic Games, Dulull is a multiple recipient of the Epic Mega Grant, underscoring his innovative approach to real-time production and storytelling.
Charlie Webb: Award-Winning Narrative Designer
Charlie Webb is a BAFTA-nominated and New York Game Critics’ Circle award-winning writer and narrative designer. With a formidable portfolio, Webb has contributed to major titles such as Mafia 3, Civilisation 6, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, and Gears of War: Judgement. His expertise in crafting compelling narratives for blockbuster games establishes him as a leading voice in the field.
Charmie Kim: Game Lead and Leadership Advocate
Charmie Kim is a game lead at Supercell, currently working on an unannounced project. She brings extensive experience in mobile, console, and social games, having previously led the Beatstar team from its initial pitch through launch and live operations. Beyond production, Kim is a noted advocate for collaborative leadership and for the advancement of women within the games industry.
Deanne Pierre-Pacquette: Content Creator and Community Organiser
Deanne Pierre-Pacquette is the founder of the global content creator agency Beyond. As a content creator, Twitch Ambassador, and YouTube partner, she operates at the intersection of gaming and influencer culture. Her community-focused work includes being the lead events organiser for the Link Up London programme, which nurtures connections and opportunities within the creative sector.
Sara Veal: Chair of GamesAid and Community Producer
Sara Veal holds the chair of GamesAid and is the founder of Huhbub, alongside her work as a community and culture producer. Her eclectic career spans journalism, publishing, and game development, with previous roles at Failbetter Games and Uplift Games. Her dedication to the industry was formally recognised with the Unsung Hero Award at Game Dev Heroes 2025.
Harun Ali: Indie Developer and Educator
Harun Ali is an indie developer and the head of training at Limit Break, where he also works as a game development tutor. His professional credits include work on Lego Dimensions, Star Citizen, and Human Fall Flat 2. Committed to sharing knowledge, Ali is the author of The Pocket Mentor for Video Game Testing, a resource for newcomers to the field.
Jennifer Estaris: Creative Director and Founder
Jennifer Estaris is the creative director and founder of Estaris Works, a consultancy and game studio. She has held senior creative roles at prominent mobile studios Ustwo and Sybo, directing major titles such as Monument Valley 3 and Subway Surfers. Her experience in guiding beloved franchises and establishing her own venture marks her as a influential creative leader.
Christopher White: Audio Specialist and Managing Director
Christopher White is the managing director at Sharks Swim Backwards and a specialist in games audio. His extensive sound design and audio leadership credits include Jurassic World Aftermath, Funko Fusion, Phogs, and Kingdom Two Crowns. He previously led the audio department at 10:10 Games and contributed to VR projects at Coatsink.
The Importance of Showcasing Diverse Talent
The selection of the Ensemble 2026 cohort underscores a critical industry imperative. As curator Sharna Jackson emphasised, vibrant and essential work is being produced by Black, Asian, and minority ethnic talent in the UK every day. Programs like Ensemble move beyond symbolic gestures, framing diversity as a fundamental requirement for innovation and global relevance. By publicly honouring the achievements of individuals like Dulull, Webb, Kim, and their peers, the initiative challenges outdated perceptions and provides visible role models. This visibility is crucial for attracting a wider range of individuals to game development careers, thereby enriching the industry’s creative output and ensuring its long-term health and competitiveness in an international market.
Ultimately, the announcement of the Ensemble 2026 cohort by Games London represents more than a list of notable names; it is a strategic investment in the future fabric of the UK games industry. The national touring exhibition of their work will not only celebrate their current contributions but also ignite conversations and aspirations across the country. The sustained commitment to this initiative highlights a growing understanding that the strength of the sector depends on its ability to harness the full spectrum of creative thought and lived experience, building a more imaginative and resilient industry for everyone.
