The International Game Developers Association’s Incubation Special Interest Group (IGDA Incubation SIG) is set to unveil a groundbreaking global survey of game incubation and accelerator programs during this week’s Gamescom 2026 event. This initiative marks the first time the industry will receive a comprehensive overview of the myriad organizations that nurture and accelerate emerging game studios across the world. The survey draws on data collected from 84 senior leaders and managers who run incubation and acceleration initiatives in a variety of regions, ranging from North America and Europe to Asia‑Pacific and Latin America.
By gathering insights directly from the people who design, fund, and operate these programs, the research aims to map the current landscape, identify common practices, and highlight the challenges that these support structures face. The findings will be shared for the first time at the IGDA Incubation SIG’s dedicated meetup at Gamescom, providing a rare opportunity for developers, investors, and policy makers to gain a clearer picture of the ecosystem that is increasingly vital to the health of the games industry. "Incubators and accelerators have become essential engines of growth for new studios, yet we have lacked a unified view of how this ecosystem functions," explained Dr.
Pedro Santoro Zambon, one of the lead researchers on the project. "Our census is designed to answer fundamental questions: Who is providing these services? What models are they employing? And what obstacles are they encountering as they try to foster innovation and sustainability in game development." During the session, Chairperson Sho Sato will kick off the presentation with a summary of the SIG’s recent activities, including ongoing efforts to standardize best‑practice guidelines and to promote knowledge sharing among member organizations.
Following Sato’s overview, Linn Søvig, who leads the European chapter of the SIG, will discuss the importance of cross‑border collaboration. Søvig will highlight how European incubators are partnering with counterparts in other continents to exchange talent, resources, and market insights, thereby creating a more interconnected support network for developers regardless of their geographic location.
A key portion of the program will feature Vee Pendergrast, the industry development manager at New Zealand’s Centre of Digital Excellence (CODE). Pendergrast will share CODE’s strategies for uplifting Indigenous creators and other under‑represented groups within the gaming sector. She will detail specific initiatives aimed at Māori and Pasifika developers, such as mentorship schemes, culturally‑informed curriculum, and funding pathways that respect community values while encouraging commercial success. Her talk will underscore the broader industry imperative to ensure that diverse voices are not only heard but also empowered to shape the future of interactive media.
The agenda will also include a presentation by veteran games industry figure Jason Della Rocca, who will introduce the concept of "inception publishing." Della Rocca argues that providing studios with publishing support at the earliest stages—covering business planning, IP protection, market analysis, and sustainable revenue models—can dramatically increase the likelihood of long‑term success. By equipping developers with these tools from day one, inception publishing aims to preserve creative control for creators while establishing a solid foundation for growth. Beyond the formal presentations, the census data will serve as a springboard for deeper discussions among attendees. Participants will have the chance to compare regional differences in funding structures, mentorship models, and success metrics.
For example, the survey reveals that North American accelerators tend to emphasize rapid prototyping and seed investment, whereas many Asian programs focus on long‑term studio development and strategic partnerships with hardware manufacturers. European incubators often prioritize cultural preservation and community engagement, reflecting the continent’s diverse regulatory environments. The research also surfaces common pain points across the board. Many program directors cite difficulties in measuring impact, securing consistent funding, and balancing the need for rapid iteration with the desire for high‑quality output.
Additionally, there is a recurring challenge in attracting talent from under‑represented demographics, a concern that aligns with the topics slated for discussion by Pendergrast and other speakers. By publishing these findings at Gamescom—a gathering that attracts thousands of developers, publishers, and media professionals—the IGDA Incubation SIG hopes to catalyze actionable change. The organization plans to follow up the census with a series of workshops, white papers, and an online portal where stakeholders can contribute updates and share best practices on an ongoing basis. In summary, the upcoming presentation at Gamescom will not only reveal the first comprehensive global snapshot of game incubators and accelerators but will also spark vital conversations about how to strengthen the support structures that enable indie studios to thrive.
Through data‑driven insights, cross‑regional collaboration, and a focus on inclusivity, the IGDA Incubation SIG aims to lay the groundwork for a more resilient, diverse, and innovative games industry for years to come.