Charu Desodt

Charu Desodt is a Studio Director and industry leader with 25+ years’ experience spanning software engineering, product development, studio operations and governance across PlayStation, Xbox and independent studios.

Her career began at Sony’s London Studio, developing technology and original prototypes for the BAFTA-winning SingStar franchise, which has sold more than 30 million units. She subsequently moved into production and studio leadership, scaling Xbox’s Lift London and later Interior Night, from 6 to 50+ people.

Charu has extensive BAFTA experience, spanning the Games Committee, Learning Inclusion & Talent Committee, Games Awards juries, Breakthrough and Scholars programmes. She was a BAFTA Breakthrough recipient in 2014.

She is a member of the UK Video Games Council, advising government on the growth, skills and global competitiveness of the UK games industry. She runs the Production Summit at GDC and is a commentator on games and the cultural and economic impact of the sector, public appearances include BBC Newsnight, across BBC radio and in national media.

Charu was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of the Arts London in recognition of her contribution to games and the wider creative sector.