Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

✨Code Coven✨ @codecoven.bsky.social · 14d

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.

✨Code Coven✨ @codecoven.bsky.social · 19d

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!

3

✨Code Coven✨ @codecoven.bsky.social · 21d

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!

✨Code Coven✨ @codecoven.bsky.social · 22d

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

9 17

✨Code Coven✨ @codecoven.bsky.social · 28d

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

✨Code Coven✨ @codecoven.bsky.social · Sep 11

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!

1

✨Code Coven✨ @codecoven.bsky.social · Sep 3

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!

✨Code Coven✨ @codecoven.bsky.social · Aug 29

🎉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.

1 1

✨Code Coven✨ @codecoven.bsky.social · Jun 30

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.

1 2

✨Code Coven✨ @codecoven.bsky.social · Jun 27

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.

✨Code Coven✨ @codecoven.bsky.social · Jun 25

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.

✨Code Coven✨ @codecoven.bsky.social · Jun 23

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.

1

✨Code Coven✨ @codecoven.bsky.social · Jun 20

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.

1 1

✨Code Coven✨ @codecoven.bsky.social · Jun 18

Thrilled to welcome Matt Arber to the Code Coven Academy CIC Advisory Board! Matt's sharp insight (and delightfully chaotic call scheduling) helped launch our Game Dev Program with Meta, and now he's joining us for the next big chapter. We’re so grateful for his guidance and belief in our mission.

2

✨Code Coven✨ @codecoven.bsky.social · Jun 16

Meet Simon Barratt – mentor, builder, and now Academy CIC Advisory Board Member at Code Coven! Co-founder of JECO and Cooperative Innovations, Simon brings deep tech expertise and industry insight as a long-standing Ukie board member. We're thrilled to have him helping shape Aurora’s next chapter.

2

✨Code Coven✨ @codecoven.bsky.social · Jun 13

Say hello to Brian Pang @bpanger33.bsky.social, a brilliant developer, relentless advocate, and one of the members of Code Coven Academy CIC Advisory Board. From EA to EXNW to Asians in Gaming, Brian brings heart and strategy to everything he does. We're lucky to have him on board

2

✨Code Coven✨ @codecoven.bsky.social · Jun 12

Meet Jamon Motes, an incredible member of the Code Coven Academy CIC Advisory Board! He first reached out to us in a moment we really needed it, and with sharp insight and a powerful commitment to equity at scale, he’s helping us envision what a truly global impact for Aurora could look like.

2

✨Code Coven✨ @codecoven.bsky.social · Jun 9

Where in the world is @kiddesimo.bsky.social? Usually somewhere mentoring, advocating, or making magic behind the scenes – and now, right here on the Code Coven Academy CIC Advisory Board! His framing shifted how we think about the Aurora Accelerator - and we’re better for it. Grateful to have him.

2

✨Code Coven✨ @codecoven.bsky.social · Jun 6

Meet @leonkillin.bsky.social, a principled leader, culture builder, and one of the brilliant members of the Code Coven Academy CIC Advisory Board. Through his work at Balance Patch, Leon helps studios create inclusive, caring cultures that are built to last. Grateful to have him.

2 6

✨Code Coven✨ @codecoven.bsky.social · Jun 3

Fresh off the marathon circuit and onto our board. 🏃‍♀️ Nickie Whitfield's calm, strategic mind and deep commitment to equity have been invaluable in guiding Code Coven Academy's internal strategy and the deep work we’re planning for 2025 and beyond. We’re so excited to have Nickie’s voice and vision.

2

✨Code Coven✨ @codecoven.bsky.social · Jun 2

Meet @ayealreet.bsky.social (COO at Uwu Biz), one of the brilliant members of the Code Coven Academy CIC Advisory Board. We're grateful to have his leadership and insight guiding our mission to build a more inclusive, sustainable future for game development.

4

✨Code Coven✨ @codecoven.bsky.social · Apr 21

Is securing funding for your game a struggle? Aurora is designed to help marginalised-led studios navigate the funding process. With the support of the BFI, awarding National Lottery funding, we’re excited to support you every step of the way. For more info, please visit: www.codecoven.co/aurora

2 1

✨Code Coven✨ @codecoven.bsky.social · Apr 18

A huge shout-out to our incredible developers featured in the #Galaxiesshow! 🙌 We couldn't be prouder of the talent, creativity, and hard work on display.

In case you missed it: youtu.be/lP5H0hTMlOU

Which game caught your attention during the show?

Galaxies Gaming Showcase 2025 - Full Show

YouTube video by Galaxies

youtu.be

✨Code Coven✨ @codecoven.bsky.social · Apr 17

Tonight is the night! Tune in LIVE on Twitch for real-time coverage of the Galaxies showcase! Catch all the action now, and don’t forget to support our amazing developers by dropping a comment or sharing the love!
▶️ twitch.tv/galaxiesshow

1

✨Code Coven✨ @codecoven.bsky.social · Apr 17

Today and every day, Code Coven stands with our trans siblings, and we will continue to make our spaces brazenly trans-inclusive. Trans women are women, trans men are men, Trans rights are human rights 💖

2 10