Luke Hebblethwaite is a senior leader and expert on the industry and cultural recognition of games.
With over 10 years in games and 20 in the creative industries, he brings strategic, leadership and analytical expertise in understanding and championing games, turning good ideas into real impact.
As a freelance consultant, former Head of Games at BAFTA and Insight & Innovation Manager at games trade association Ukie, Luke has worked for world-leading organisations that support the creative culture and business environment of making games.
Building connections, collaboration, activities and resources that benefit the sector and those within it, he convenes games business of all scales, institutions across the creative arts and global talent, driving recognition of the medium and closer integration with the wider creative industries.
Sam Brace
Founder & PR Director
Decibel-PR
“Luke’s experience, judgement and exceptional network across the games industry are unrivalled. He can reach the people, cultural entities and communities that matter, and start the conversations that bring dream PR partnership scenarios to life. He’s someone we trust implicitly, and quite simply, we couldn’t do what we do across the games and music sides of the business without him.”
Tim Scott
Senior Director of Public Policy, EMEA
Roblox
“I’ve worked with Luke on a number of significant projects related to the video games industry, and his contribution has been invaluable. Luke’s sector-wide policy intelligence and his ability to translate complex policy developments into actionable industry insights are outstanding. What sets his work apart is the combination of rigorous research, practical recommendations, and the consistent depth and clarity of his analysis.”
Jane Perry
BAFTA-winning Actor & Voice Artist
“When I won a BAFTA award, I couldn’t have been more pleased to have done so during Luke’s tenure as Head of Games. I experienced first-hand the support he offered to established performers as well as emerging talent, and his hard work to champion and bring recognition to the art of acting in games, amongst many other things in our industry. I am grateful for that and will always appreciate his fierce dedication to the creative community in games.”
Borislav Slavov
BAFTA-winning Composer & Music Director
Larian Studios (Baldur's Gate 3)
“Luke is one of the best ambassadors and champions for video game music and the composing community. His passion and tireless advocacy are elevating the art form, giving game composers the recognition and platform they truly deserve. Luke's dedication to celebrating and amplifying the voices behind our favorite soundtracks is making him an invaluable ally and a true leader in the industry.”
Professor Mark Taylor
Professor of Quantitative Social Sciences
University of Sheffield
“Luke's a total pro. His background across the industry means he's got a birds-eye view of the landscape, but he's not afraid to get his hands dirty with data from a huge range of sources. His connections mean you can be confident he's able to bring the right people together. And his level of organisation means you can be confident he'll deliver what you need, on time.”
Lisa Prime
Head of Children & Young People's Programme
BAFTA & Young Game Designers
“I had the pleasure of working with Luke across all of BAFTA's games activity for young people, where he proved a great asset across strategy, programming, content and events - we benefited hugely from his expertise and relationships with the industry. More specifically, he was a champion of BAFTA's Young Game Designer initiative, providing support, incredible insight and endless enthusiasm. I'm very grateful to Luke for his professional and personal advocacy.”
Header image derived from an illustration by Hanin Abouzeid on Unsplash.
