Code Coven reveals first Aurora Accelerator and Agency cohort

Code Coven has announced the first three studios to be featured in its Aurora Accelerator and Agency program.

The first developers to benefit from this program are Yorkshire-based Fast Loris Studios, the women-led Glowfrog Games, and small independent developer Hologram Ghost.

Each studio has a featured game as part of the accelerator. Fast Loris Studios is producing the cozy adventure game Walkies: Tails of the Sanctuary, Glowfrog Games is presenting its scrapbooking title Pieced Together, while Hologram Ghost is developing a cyberpunk dramedy adventure.

“Fast Loris Studios is really excited to join Aurora and connect with a community that truly understands the challenges faced by underrepresented voices in games,” said Fast Loris Studios co-founder Helen Smailes.

“Having Aurora’s mentorship, structure and support behind us is invaluable – helping us strengthen our business skills, grow our studio sustainably, and play our part in building a more inclusive industry.”

Hologram Ghost founder Claudie Cote-Bergeron added: “We look forward to expanding our professional network, growing our leadership and business management skills in the coming weeks, as well as taking part in any opportunities for funding and support that come our way.”

Applications are open for the next Aurora cohort, which will start in late 2025. Developers interested in applying must be UK-based and “demonstrate at least 50% marginalised gender leadership.”

Earlier this year, GamesIndustry.biz spoke with Code Coven’s CEO Tara Mustapha about its latest initiative and how the company supports marginalized developers to build sustainable studios.

Last October, Code Coven received £510,00 from the BFI National Lottery Innovation Challenge to fund its Aurora and Agency initiative.