The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) Incubation Special Interest Group is set to unveil a landmark study at this year’s Gamescom, delivering the first comprehensive global survey of game incubation and accelerator programs. The presentation, scheduled for the IGDA Incubation SIG’s dedicated Gamescom meetup, will provide the industry with an unprecedented overview of the myriad organizations that nurture fledgling studios and help them scale. The research draws on the insights of 84 senior figures—program leaders, managers, and directors—from incubation and acceleration initiatives spanning North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and Latin America. By aggregating data from such a diverse pool of respondents, the census paints a detailed portrait of the ecosystem’s size, structure, and geographic distribution.
It also highlights common operational models, funding mechanisms, mentorship formats, and the strategic priorities that drive these support programs. "Incubators and accelerators have become essential pillars of the games sector, yet we have lacked a clear, data‑driven map of the ecosystem," explained Dr. Pedro Santoro Zambon, a leading researcher on the project. "This census is our attempt to identify who is providing these services, how they are structured, and what obstacles they encounter on a day‑to‑day basis." During the session, IGDA Incubation SIG Chairperson Sho Sato will open with a status update on the group’s recent initiatives, including the development of best‑practice guidelines and the establishment of a shared resource hub for program administrators.
Following Sato, European Chapter Lead Linn Søvig will discuss the importance of cross‑border collaboration, emphasizing how regional networks can pool expertise, share funding opportunities, and create joint mentorship pipelines that benefit developers across the continent. A key portion of the agenda will focus on inclusivity and diversity in game development support.
Vee Pendergrast, Industry Development Manager at New Zealand’s Centre of Digital Excellence, will present case studies of how the Centre’s CODE program works with Māori and Pasifika creators. Pendergrast will outline specific strategies—such as culturally‑responsive curriculum design, community‑led mentorship, and targeted grant schemes—that have proven effective in lowering barriers for Indigenous and under‑represented developers. The program will also feature a talk by veteran industry advocate Jason Della Rocca on the concept of "inception publishing." Della Rocca will argue that early‑stage publishing support—providing studios with business education, financial planning tools, and IP protection advice—can empower creators to build sustainable enterprises while retaining ownership of their intellectual property. He will share examples of successful inception publishing models and suggest how incubators can integrate these practices into their existing frameworks.
Beyond the formal presentations, the census data will be made available to attendees through an interactive dashboard, allowing participants to filter results by region, program size, funding source, and focus area (e.g., mobile, VR, indie, AAA). This tool is intended to serve as a living resource for policymakers, investors, and educators seeking to understand where gaps exist and where new partnerships might be forged. The IGDA hopes that the findings will spark a broader conversation about standardizing metrics for success, sharing longitudinal outcomes, and establishing a global registry of support programs. By shedding light on the current landscape, the organization aims to encourage more coordinated efforts, reduce duplication of services, and ultimately accelerate the growth of innovative games from diverse creators worldwide.
In summary, the upcoming Gamescom presentation will not only reveal the first global snapshot of game incubators and accelerators but also provide actionable insights for stakeholders eager to strengthen the pipeline of emerging talent. With contributions from over 80 program leaders, the census offers a rich, data‑backed foundation for future collaboration, policy development, and inclusive growth across the worldwide gaming community.