Safe In Our World Launches First-Ever Mental Health Star Accreditation for the Games Industry
Mental health charity Safe In Our World has just launched the Mental Health Star Accreditation, a ground-breaking initiative designed to formally recognise and champion companies that are committed to the wellbeing of their teams.
Let’s be real: working in the games industry can be a tough boss battle. Between crunch culture, high-stakes deadlines, and the ever-present pressure to innovate, the mental health of the incredible people who create our favourite games can often be pushed to the back burner. For many, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community, finding a truly safe and supportive workplace is the ultimate goal, and now the industry has a new power-up with this Mental Health Star Accreditation.
This isn’t just another corporate checklist. Developed by experts who live and breathe both mental health and game development, this accreditation is tailor-made for the unique challenges our industry faces. The goal? To forge safer, more inclusive, and genuinely supportive working environments for everyone.
So, how does it work? The journey begins with a comprehensive audit of a company’s mental health policies, culture, and overall team sentiment. Think of it as scanning the area for strengths and weaknesses. Safe In Our World then provides a full report, highlighting what a studio is doing right and offering a clear quest log of recommendations for improvement.
Companies that successfully complete the mission will earn a three-year endorsement, complete with a star rating that would make any achievement hunter proud. Depending on their performance, companies can be awarded one of three tiers: Dedicated, Accomplished, or the coveted Outstanding. They’ll also receive a media kit to proudly display their commitment on their websites and social channels, signalling to talent everywhere that they take mental health seriously.
And if a studio doesn’t quite hit the mark on the first try? Safe In Our World will provide a detailed report packed with practical advice to help them improve. The system is designed to be a supportive co-op partner, not a gatekeeper, and companies are welcome to resubmit whenever they feel ready.
“We’ve been long overdue accreditation specific to the unique trials and challenges of the games industry,” said Erla Arnadottir, a trustee for Safe In Our World and Head of Business Development at LootLocker. “You can really tell that Safe In Our World has developed this accreditation with all different kinds of companies and their structures and needs in mind.”
Crucially, this initiative is for everyone. From a two-person indie team crafting their passion project to a sprawling AAA studio, the Mental Health Star Accreditation is designed to scale. Whether a company is just starting to build its mental health framework or already has a robust strategy, there’s never a bad time to get on board.
This is a vital and exciting step towards changing the culture of the games industry for the better. By creating a clear benchmark for excellence in mental health, Safe In Our World is empowering companies to build workplaces where everyone can thrive.
Want to see your studio earn its stars? Head over to the Safe In Our World website or get in touch via email to find out more.
About The Author
