LONDON, UK – 20 August 2025 – Games industry charity Safe In Our World has launched the sector’s first dedicated workplace mental health accreditation, in a move designed to strengthen wellbeing standards across studios of all sizes.
The new Mental Health Star Accreditation will provide employers with a structured route to demonstrate excellence in supporting staff, with a tiered recognition system designed to highlight best practice and encourage continuous improvement.
A First for the Games Sector
Developed by specialists working at the intersection of mental health and games development, the accreditation marks a landmark step in addressing long-standing concerns around workplace culture in the industry. The initiative begins with a comprehensive audit covering company policies, practices, culture, and employee sentiment.
Safe In Our World will then deliver a detailed report outlining strengths and areas for development, alongside practical recommendations. Organisations that meet the required standard will be recognised at one of three levels – Dedicated, Accomplished, or Outstanding – valid for three years, with annual check-ins and ongoing support.
Firms that do not initially achieve accreditation will still receive a full report and tailored advice, with the option to reapply when ready.
A Flexible, Scalable Approach
According to the charity, the Mental Health Star Accreditation has been designed with flexibility in mind, making it accessible to companies at different stages of their wellbeing journey. The programme is open to all organisations, from small indie teams through to major triple-A studios.
“We’ve been long overdue accreditation specific to the unique trials and challenges of the games industry,” said Erla Arnadottir, Safe In Our World trustee 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.”
The accreditation is intended not only as a recognition scheme, but also as a mechanism for driving cultural change across the sector. By standardising expectations and offering clear, evidence-based guidance, Safe In Our World hopes to encourage more studios to take proactive steps in supporting employee wellbeing.
Industry-Wide Implications
The launch comes at a time when the games industry faces increasing scrutiny over workplace practices, including long hours and high stress levels. Mental health charities and trade bodies have long called for more robust frameworks to address these challenges.
Safe In Our World believes the new accreditation will help reduce stigma, provide accountability, and set a benchmark for progress. The charity will also supply accredited firms with a media kit, allowing them to publicly signal their commitment to mental health on websites and social channels.
The scheme is designed to be accessible regardless of a company’s current position on mental health policy. Whether an organisation is only beginning to consider its wellbeing strategy or has a mature programme in place, the accreditation offers a route to structured evaluation and external recognition.
Looking Ahead
Safe In Our World hopes the introduction of the Mental Health Star Accreditation will act as a catalyst for wider change in how the industry approaches wellbeing.
“This is a vital step towards changing the future of mental health in the games industry,” the charity said in its announcement. “Safe In Our World is excited to offer accreditation to as many companies as possible.”
Interested organisations can learn more and apply via the Safe In Our World website.