The International Game Developers Association’s Incubation Special Interest Group (SIG) is preparing to unveil a landmark study at Gamescom 2026—a comprehensive, first‑ever global census of game incubation and accelerator programs. This initiative is designed to provide the gaming community with a clear, data‑driven snapshot of the myriad organizations that nurture fledgling studios and help them transition from concept to market. The survey draws on the insights of 84 senior figures—leaders, managers, and coordinators—from incubation and accelerator initiatives spanning North America, Europe, Asia‑Pacific, Latin America, and Africa.
By aggregating responses from this diverse pool, the census paints a nuanced picture of how support structures differ across regions, what best practices are emerging, and where common obstacles persist. The findings will be shared for the first time during the IGDA Incubation SIG’s dedicated meetup at Gamescom, offering attendees a rare opportunity to engage directly with the data and its implications. "Incubators and accelerators have become pivotal to the health and growth of the games industry, yet we have lacked a consolidated view of the ecosystem that underpins them," explained Dr.
Pedro Santoro Zambon, a leading researcher on the project. "Our census seeks to map out who is providing these services, the methodologies they employ, and the challenges they encounter on a day‑to‑day basis." The session will open with Chairperson Sho Sato, who will provide an overview of the SIG’s recent activities, including ongoing mentorship programs, partnership initiatives, and policy advocacy efforts.
Sato will highlight how the census aligns with the SIG’s broader mission to foster collaboration among incubators, accelerators, and independent developers worldwide. Following Sato’s introduction, Linn Søvig, the head of the European chapter, will discuss the importance of cross‑border cooperation. Søvig will examine case studies where European incubators have partnered with counterparts in Asia and the Americas, sharing resources such as funding pipelines, talent exchanges, and joint curriculum development. She will also address regulatory differences that can either hinder or facilitate international collaboration, offering recommendations for smoother alignment.
A particularly compelling segment of the program will be presented by Vee Pendergrast, Industry Development Manager at New Zealand’s Centre of Digital Excellence. Pendergrast will explore strategies for supporting Indigenous creators and other under‑represented groups within the gaming sector. She will spotlight the Centre’s CODE (Culturally‑Oriented Development Experience) initiative, which works closely with Māori and Pasifika developers to co‑create games that reflect their cultural narratives while providing business mentorship, technical training, and access to funding networks.
The final keynote will be delivered by veteran industry figure Jason Della Rocca, who will introduce the concept of "inception publishing." Della Rocca will argue that early‑stage publishing—providing studios with strategic guidance, financial resources, and IP management tools from the outset—can dramatically improve the odds of long‑term success. He will outline a framework for how publishers can act as partners rather than merely distributors, helping studios retain creative control and build sustainable revenue models.
Beyond the presentations, the census data will be made available to attendees in both interactive dashboards and downloadable reports. Participants will be encouraged to ask questions, propose follow‑up research, and consider how the insights can inform policy development, educational curricula, and investment strategies. The IGDA hopes that the visibility afforded by this census will spark a wave of new collaborations, inspire the creation of additional support programs, and ultimately lead to a more resilient, inclusive, and innovative global games industry.
In addition to the core findings, the report will feature supplemental analyses on topics such as: - Funding structures: comparing government grants, venture capital, and corporate sponsorship models. - Success metrics: how incubators measure outcomes, from prototype completion rates to commercial launch success. - Geographic distribution: identifying emerging hotspots for game development support outside traditional hubs. - Diversity and inclusion: assessing the representation of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and minority groups among program participants.
- Technological focus: tracking whether programs specialize in emerging tech like VR/AR, cloud gaming, or AI‑driven design. By delivering this wealth of information at one of the industry’s premier gatherings, the IGDA Incubation SIG aims to set a new standard for transparency and data‑driven decision‑making within the ecosystem of game development support. The census not only documents the current state of affairs but also provides a roadmap for future growth, encouraging stakeholders to address gaps, replicate successful models, and collectively nurture the next generation of innovative game studios.