IGDA LGBTQ+ SIG Portfolio Review returns in 2026 — here’s how to get involved
The IGDA LGBTQ+ SIG Portfolio Review is back for its second year. Portfolio Review: Improvement Boogaloo opens for submissions throughout May 2026, with reviews carried out across June, and if last year is anything to go by, it’s worth applying.
The 2025 edition led to an internship offer from Schell Games. That kind of outcome is rare for community-run events, and it’s the clearest sign yet that the reviewers — over seven this year, spread across countries and disciplines — are taking it seriously.
The review is open to all IGDA LGBTQ+ SIG members, whatever stage they’re at. Early-career applicants looking for direction are as welcome as more experienced developers who just want another set of eyes on their work. Submissions go in via the SIG’s Discord and social channels from 1st May; reviews run through to 30th June.
The SIG itself, chaired by Greg Mc Guinness (he/him), sits within the International Game Developers Association and focuses on supporting and advocating for queer people working in games. Alongside portfolio reviews, it has run game jams, networking sessions, and GDC roundtables. This year the group is also working on workplace support guidelines, external collaborative articles, and podcast episodes.
With nearly 500 Discord members and over 6,000 LinkedIn impressions in the past year, it’s grown into one of the more active spaces for LGBTQ+ games professionals, and the portfolio review has become a key part of that.
If you’re a queer creative working in games and you’ve been putting off sorting your portfolio, this is a decent nudge to get it done.
Key Info:
- Submissions open: 1st–31st May 2026 (via Discord & socials)
- Reviews: 1st–30th June 2026
- Deadline Extension: Deadline for submission extension is 18th May
- Format: Digital — hosted on the SIG Discord
- Who can apply: All IGDA LGBTQ+ SIG members, any career stage
- Discord: discord.gg/29McB8U7W
- Email: lgbtq-sig@igda.org
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