In an industry long criticized for its barriers to entry, GAMERella is carving out a new path—one grounded in accessibility, inclusivity, and community care. Co-Director Courtney Blamey (she/her) leads the organization’s efforts to open the world of game development to those historically excluded from it, offering game jams, workshops, and mentorship programs that empower creators of all experience levels. Her work reflects a growing movement to reimagine who gets to make games, and how.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
GAMERella is a non-profit dedicated to democratising game development by making it accessible, inclusive, and welcoming — particularly for women (cis/trans) and equity-deserving individuals who are underrepresented in the industry. We run an annual game jam, a workshop series, and a long-term mentorship program that supports emerging game-makers and helps them gain confidence, skills, and professional pathways.
What problem does it aim to solve?
The game industry has long been dominated by toxic environments, exclusionary practices, and high barriers to entry. GAMERella was created to provide a low-stress, beginner-friendly space where new creators can experiment, make “funky prototypes,” learn without judgment, and feel supported in a community that values diversity and care. Our goal is to ensure underrepresented creators see themselves reflected and welcomed in game-making spaces.
When did you start/join it?
I joined GAMERella about five years ago, before it became a non-profit organization.
What made you want to get involved?
I grew up loving games and wanted to make them, but studying game design exposed the harmful norms in the industry. When Gina, GAMERella’s founder (and now my co-director), hired me, I witnessed the transformative power of creating intentional space for people who had been excluded. Seeing beginners realise their potential, gain confidence, and later join the industry has been a major motivator for staying involved.
What was the situation like when you started?
When I first joined, GAMERella was not yet a non-profit. It was a grassroots initiative with big heart but limited resources — run by a small team doing everything possible to carve out safer, more supportive spaces in a field that needed them.
How has it changed since?
Since becoming a non-profit, GAMERella has expanded significantly. We now run a full annual game jam, a workshop series, and a robust mentorship program supporting equity-seeking individuals at the professional level. Our community has grown across Canada, and many past participants now work in the industry or lead creative projects of their own — some even return to mentor new participants.
What more needs to be done?
Sustainable funding remains our biggest challenge. Our programs rely on dedicated staff, proper participant support, and access to resources — even essentials like food for jam weekends. To keep growing, we need stable funding to maintain and expand our programming nationwide and continue supporting underrepresented creators.
How can our readers help?
Follow us, share our work, and help amplify our mission. Engaging with our programs, spreading the word to potential participants, or connecting us with funders makes a huge difference. Every bit of visibility helps us reach the people who need these spaces most.
Do you have any events coming up?
Keep an eye out for our Power Up! mentorship cohort’s showcase in April 2026 and our annual game jam in November 2026. Readers can find up-to-date details on our website and social platforms.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram | Bluesky | LinkedIn | Website | Newsletter
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
We love Weird Ghosts — an organization driven by values similar to ours. They fund co-op game studios and conduct important research into the game industry, making a major impact on the future of game-making in Canada.
