Mentee and Mentor Application Procedure
GAMERella Mentorship Program 2025-2026
GAMERella's new program is a long-term mentoring initiative to support emerging game-makers from equity-deserving groups to take their first steps in the games industry. This program will help develop participants' professional skills, boost their portfolio, and provide them with networking opportunities so that they can enter the industry with knowledge and confidence. There will be honoraria for both mentors and mentees, with two phases to the program.
Canada Media Fund's Changing Narratives and Sector Development Support Funds support GAMERella in our mission to promote the phenomenal talent that deserves space to thrive in the games industry.
WHO? - Emerging game-makers from equity-deserving groups to take their first steps in the games industry.
WHERE? - Anywhere in Canada with in-person events in Montréal.
WHEN? - Apply by April 30 / Program starts June 1st.
TIME COMMITMENT? - Monthly events & workshops running between June 2025 - April 2026 (on average 3-5hrs/month).
HOW? - Apply to be one of the 15 mentees by showing us your passion and ambition!
WHAT? - Long-term 1-on-1 mentorship, counselling, and skill-building.
Please read our full description, and if you still have questions or concerns, email us at mentorship@gamerella.ca.
The GAMERella Mentorship and Accelerator Program will launch in June 2025! The program has two phases:
- June-November - Press Start! (Phase 1) will consist of professional skill developing workshops (e.g. portfolio building, CV/cover-letter writing, game pitching), one-on-one monthly meetings with your mentor, studio visits organised near you, and industry networking opportunities. You will then pitch a short project/goal to be one of 6 selected mentees to advance to Phase 2.
- November-April - Power Up! (Phase 2) will consist of career-developing workshops (project management, effective communication, grant-writing, developing a business plan), informational job interviews, and shadowing/internship opportunities. One-on-one monthly meetings with your mentor will continue in this phase.
Mentees
You should apply if youʼre an emerging game-maker from an equity-deserving community in Canada, but you need some guidance on breaking into the industry (whether working at a large company or starting your own studio).
This program is for you if youʼve already started creating but need support to take the next step. Whether you're a designer, artist, writer, or programmer, if you're passionate, eager to grow, this is for you.
You can apply for this program between April 8 and April 30th.
→ What to Expect as a Mentee?
- You will be matched with a mentor for the duration of the program based on your goals. You will meet once a month.
- Mentees who complete the program will receive an honorarium of up to $2000 CAD. This money is intended for offsetting some of your expenses, e.g. buying software licenses or smaller equipment.
- Mentees will also have the option to borrow necessary equipment for the duration of their mentorship.
- Travel and accommodation will be covered for specific events if the mentee is not based in Montréal.
→ Why Apply?
This program can help you, if you have been thinking about entering the games industry, but you feel that you...
- need more experience
- want to work on your confidence
- want to gain a community of other game creators
- want to refine or broaden your skillset
The program will build professional skills, grow your portfolios, and help you gain insider industry knowledge through workshops, mentorship, and networking. It will be an excellent addition to your CV when applying to industry jobs, or if you are looking to start your own studio you can get direct planning support and advice.
→ What is the Time Commitment?
The basic expectation is attending the monthly workshops, events, mentoring sessions, and other opportunities. Most but not all will be on the weekends or evenings. Minimum 3-5 hours a month. You will also need to dedicate time to working towards your goals. Importantly, this is a hybrid opportunity, with some funding for travel to in-person events in Montréal.
Our team understands that many folks may have commitments during the standard work week hours. We will try our best to have all activities held on evenings and weekends but that is not guaranteed. Scheduling difficulties may occur and so we ask that folks be mindful of the flexibility of their standard schedule when applying.
The first phase of the project will conclude in mid-November. Participants may pitch to continue into Phase Two. There will be 6 spots in the second, more career-focused phase.
→ Who Should Apply?
- Early-career game-makers from equity-deserving backgrounds (new graduates, self-learners, folks who have started to reskill in certain game tools).
- Any Designers, Artists, Writers, or Programmers interested in pursuing a career in games.
- Those able to demonstrate one's skills, passion, and ambition in game-making.
- Folks who are keen to learn more about their profession.
- 18 years or older.
- Legal status in Canada (being authorized to enter and remain in the country, either as a citizen, permanent resident, or temporary resident, like a student or worker)
- Unsure if you are eligible? Send us an email at mentorship@gamerella.ca.
→ Who are Our Mentors?
- Our Mentors are a diverse group of industry professionals from large studios to indie co-ops based in Canada. They will be matched to your needs and aspirations, to be able to give you the best guidance and counselling possible.
- We have returning Mentors who have been supporting our jam participants for years, but we are also welcoming new experts to make sure each of our mentees has the best possible match in mentoring.
- Our Mentors each receive training in mentoring and on anti-oppression practices provided by Mentor Canada.
→ What Skill Level Do I Need to Apply?
- You have studied some game development (in school or on your own/independently)
- This can be making art, programming, level design, narrative, etc.
- You have made a couple of small games, or prototypes, or mock-ups of art (we just want to see that you're already making things, no matter the scale!)
- You are not a complete beginner, but you feel you need a boost to be confident in applying for jobs/receiving job offers or getting ready to start your own studio.
Application Deadline
Please submit your application by 11:59 PM EST, April 30th 2025.
Only those who have been shortlisted/chosen will be contacted. If you do not receive an email by June 1st, then unfortunately, we could not include you in this year's cohort. We are hoping to have this be a recurring opportunity in the future. Please read about our selection process below.
You can always contact us at mentorship@gamerella.ca if you want to check that your goals match the program.
Mentors
Want to help the next generation of game-makers flourish? Invested in championing equity-deserving groups? Apply to be a Mentor for the inaugural GAMERella Mentorship Program!
GAMERella is looking for experienced game-makers across Canada to support our Mentees in building up their confidence and skill set.
You can apply to be one of our Mentors between April 8 and May 8th.
→ What to Expect as a Mentor?
- Depending on your Mentee (see the two Phases) between 6 to 12 months of one-to-one monthly meetings.
- An honorarium of up to $2000 CAD for your participation ($1000 for each Phase, depending on whether your Mentee progresses).
- Formal training from Mentor Canada in mentorship and anti-oppression practices.
- Two in-person events in Montréal (with some travel funding available).
→ Who Should Apply?
- Those with English and/or French fluency.
- Legal status in Canada (either as a citizen, permanent resident, or temporary resident).
- Game developers with at least 5 years of industry experience (solo devs, indies, and AA-AAA professionals all included!)
- Game developers capable in areas such as Art, Animation, Audio, Programming, Narrative, and Design.
→ Who are Our Mentees?
- Our Mentees will be early career game-makers from equity-deserving backgrounds with limited experience under their belts, either brand new to the industry or looking to enter it.
- Mentors will be matched up with our selected Mentees for the best fit of skillset and goals, and/or location. You will hear back by the end of May if you have been selected to be one of our Mentors for this program.
→ How to Apply?
To apply, please send your CV and a Cover Letter to mentorship@gamerella.ca by May 8th using the subject line GAMERella Mentor Application 2025. In your Cover Letter, please tell us about:
- Who you are and why you are interested in getting involved with GAMERella.
- What languages are you comfortable mentoring in
- Your experience in the game industry
- Why you would be a great mentor
- Your mentoring experience (if any)
- What can you offer to support up-and-coming game makers in their career development
- Why do you feel it is important for you to contribute to supporting the success of folks from equity-deserving backgrounds in particular
- Please avoid AI-written cover letters
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to us at the same email.
Public Statement of Selection Process for Mentee Participants
Selection Process for Mentee Participants
The GAMERella Mentorship Initiative is committed to supporting aspiring and emerging game makers by pairing them with trusted industry professionals dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the gaming industry. This mentorship program is designed to help participants develop their professional skills, strengthen their portfolios, and build valuable industry connections—empowering them to enter the field with confidence and knowledge.
This initiative aligns with our organization's mission to create a gaming industry where historically underrepresented individuals are recognized, accepted, and celebrated, contributing to a society that values diversity and inclusion.
How We Select Mentees
Our mentorship pairings are determined through a needs-based support assessment. This means that mentees will be matched with mentors based on their individual goals, skills they wish to develop, and specific areas where guidance is needed. At the same time, pairings will also take into account the expertise available within our mentor pool to ensure meaningful and effective mentorship relationships.
To facilitate this process, GAMERella will assemble a selection committee. Committee members will undergo a conflict of interest assessment before reviewing applications to maintain a fair and impartial selection process.
Our Commitment to Equity
GAMERella is committed to prioritizing equity deserving individuals, meaning those who belong to marginalized and underrepresented communities within the gaming industry. In particular, we aim to amplify the voices and participation of:
- Trans women, trans men, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals
- Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals
- Ethno-religious minorities
- People with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals
- Immigrants, refugees, and other historically marginalized groups in game development
We recognize that many applicants may experience intersecting identities, shaping their experiences in unique ways. Our selection process embraces this complexity, ensuring that participants feel welcomed, valued, and supported in the mentorship process.
Our focus is on aspiring and emerging game-makers in the early stages of their careers who are seeking mentorship within these intersections. Through this initiative, we strive to foster a more inclusive and representative gaming industry where all have the opportunity to be heard and thrive.
