The International Game Developers Association’s Incubation Special Interest Group (IGDA Incubation SIG) is poised to unveil a landmark study at this year’s Gamescom, delivering the inaugural global census of game incubation and accelerator programs. This comprehensive survey, scheduled for presentation during the SIG’s dedicated Gamescom meetup, aims to furnish the industry with its first expansive overview of the myriad organizations that nurture fledgling game studios and help them scale. The research draws its insights from a robust sample of 84 senior leaders, managers, and coordinators who helm incubation and acceleration initiatives in diverse regions worldwide. By aggregating responses from these key decision‑makers, the census paints a detailed portrait of the current ecosystem, highlighting the variety of models, funding structures, mentorship approaches, and strategic priorities that define support programs for emerging developers.
The findings will be disclosed for the first time during the IGDA Incubation SIG’s gathering at Gamescom, offering attendees a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the support network that underpins much of today’s innovative game development. "Incubators and accelerators have become increasingly pivotal in shaping the games landscape, yet we have lacked a clear, data‑driven map of the ecosystem itself," explained Dr. Pedro Santoro Zambon, one of the study’s principal investigators.
"This census represents an effort to identify who is providing these services, how they operate, and what obstacles they encounter in fostering new talent and ideas." The session will open with remarks from Chairperson Sho Sato, who will provide a status update on the SIG’s ongoing projects and outline future research directions. Following Sato’s introduction, Linn Søvig, the lead of the European chapter, will discuss the importance of cross‑border collaboration among developer‑support organisations, emphasizing how shared best practices and joint initiatives can amplify the impact of regional programs and create a more cohesive global network. A key highlight of the agenda is a presentation by Vee Pendergrast, the industry development manager at New Zealand’s Centre of Digital Excellence.
Pendergrast will share insights into targeted strategies for uplifting Indigenous creators and other under‑represented groups within the gaming sector. She will detail the Centre’s collaborative work with Māori and Pasifika developers through its CODE (Creative Opportunities for Digital Excellence) program, illustrating how culturally responsive mentorship, tailored funding pathways, and community‑driven outreach can foster inclusive growth and diversify the voices shaping interactive media.
Veteran games industry figure Jason Della Rocca will close the session with a forward‑looking talk on "inception publishing." Della Rocca will argue that early‑stage studios benefit from a publishing model that equips them with the business acumen, market insight, and sustainable revenue strategies needed to retain ownership of their intellectual property. By integrating publishing expertise at the inception phase, developers can build resilient companies that are less dependent on external investors and more capable of steering their creative visions over the long term. Beyond the formal presentations, the census will serve as a springboard for deeper dialogue among stakeholders. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore comparative data on program size, funding sources—ranging from government grants and corporate sponsorships to venture capital—and the geographic distribution of support services.
The study also examines success metrics used by incubators and accelerators, such as studio graduation rates, subsequent funding rounds, and commercial performance of released titles. One of the critical findings highlighted in the preliminary release is the growing emphasis on holistic support that extends beyond mere financial assistance.
Many programs now incorporate comprehensive mentorship, technical training, marketing guidance, and community building as integral components of their curricula. This shift reflects a broader industry recognition that sustainable studio growth requires a balanced blend of creative freedom, business savvy, and network access. The census also sheds light on challenges that persist across the ecosystem.
Respondents cited difficulties in securing consistent funding, navigating regulatory environments, and measuring long‑term impact as common pain points. Additionally, the data reveals gaps in support for certain regions—particularly in emerging markets where infrastructure and talent pipelines are still developing. These insights will inform future policy recommendations and collaborative initiatives aimed at strengthening the global support network for game developers.
By delivering this extensive dataset at Gamescom, the IGDA Incubation SIG hopes to catalyze informed decision‑making among policymakers, investors, and program administrators. The ultimate goal is to foster a more transparent, equitable, and effective environment where emerging studios can thrive, innovate, and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of the gaming industry.
The presentation promises to be a pivotal moment for anyone invested in the future of game development—whether you are a studio founder seeking mentorship, a funder looking to allocate resources strategically, or a researcher interested in the dynamics of creative incubators. Attendees are encouraged to engage with the findings, ask probing questions, and collaborate on solutions that will shape the next generation of games and the ecosystems that support them.