Harvey Jones first discovered Into Games and the IG50 through a LinkedIn post from a past winner and followed the programme until he graduated. Coming from a disadvantaged background, without a games-specific degree, and with financial barriers shaping his journey, he wasn’t sure he’d win, but he knew the IG50 community could give him the boost he needed. Winning the IG50 changed everything. Harvey gained access to new games through the Slow Game Club, received financial support to attend Develop:Brighton, and, most importantly, finally felt visible. “The IG50 showed others that despite my background, I can still excel as a games professional,” he says. That recognition helped counter years of being overlooked. Professionally, the impact was huge. Just four months after winning, Harvey landed an incredible role as a Production Assistant at Playground Games, working on what he calls “one of the coolest games ever.” It’s the kind of opportunity he once thought was out of reach - now it’s his day‑to‑day reality. Harvey’s story is a reminder that talent thrives when given a chance, and that programmes like the IG50 can help open doors that once felt firmly shut. His advice to future applicants would be to “Never let the opinion of others make you doubt yourself.” Too many people told him what he could or couldn’t be because of his background, and he’s proud to have proven them wrong.