Computer Games Festival Link Up with Mental Health Support Charity Oakleaf

Published on: 20 Jan, 2026
Updated on: 20 Jan, 2026

Mental health support charity Oakleaf and the guildford.games festival have linked up to help strengthen community wellbeing while celebrating the town’s influence in the development of computer gaming.

The guildford.games festival is at G Live on Friday, February 20.

Oakleaf will be the festival’s nominated charity for three years, including its event at G Live on Friday, February 20, with 50% of ticket admissions being donated to support better mental health in Surrey.

Oakleaf will also present the Outstanding Studio Culture award at the festival’s awards ceremony, recognising a local computer games studio going above and beyond to foster a positive, inclusive and healthy working environment.

In a press release from Oakleaf it says: “Now in its sixth year, the guildford.games festival brings together studios, students and players to showcase why Guildford is often called the UK’s ‘Hollywood of Games.’

“More than 4,000 people attended last year’s event, taking part in hands-on demos, portfolio reviews, meeting creators, and hearing from developers across the town’s 60-plus studios. Student tickets remain free to ensure accessibility for young people hoping to learn from industry professionals and explore future career paths.

“This year’s festival features a keynote from Hilmar Veigar Pétursson, CEO of CCP Games, the studio behind EVE Online.

“He is joined by a wide-ranging line up of speakers taking part in panels and sessions exploring development, art, production, collaboration, and the future of interactive development including Peter Molyneux (22cans), Amy Pejic (EA Criterion), Jo Koehler (Two Point Studios), Barry Meade (Fireproof Studios), and many more to be announced.

“The partnership comes at a time when mental health support across the games sector is increasingly important. Although gaming is sometimes misunderstood, research consistently highlights its role in fostering engagement, personal growth, and inclusive networks. By joining forces, guildford.games and Oakleaf aim to show that both the games industry and local residents thrive when the people who make and play games feel supported, understood and able to reach their potential.”