Maximizing the Benefits of a Games Incubator

The initial stages of launching a new business can be challenging, and this is particularly true for game developers. Fortunately, various initiatives and programs are available to provide support and help new studios overcome the initial hurdles. One such initiative is the games incubator, which offers a more comprehensive and longer-term support system compared to accelerators. Unlike accelerators, which focus on rapidly growing established businesses with a minimum viable product, incubators provide mentorship and support over several months, sometimes including co-working spaces or catering to remote studios. The Tentacle Zone incubator is an example of such a program. However, being part of an incubator program does not guarantee success for a studio. To reap the benefits, it's essential to maximize the opportunities these programs offer. In this article, we'll explore the best ways to get the most out of an incubator, with insights from alumni of previous Tentacle Zone cohorts. This guide will cover the benefits of being in an incubator, what to consider before applying, what to expect from an incubator, how to get the most out of an incubator, and what to do after the program ends. The primary purpose of participating in an incubator is to learn the fundamentals of building and running a business. Seyed Nasrollahi, founder of Unifiq Games, notes that incubators can be particularly beneficial for new and smaller studios with little or no experience in the games industry. He highlights the importance of having mentors who can provide long-term support and guidance, as well as the opportunity to pitch projects to publishers and expand their network. Elena Höge, founder of Yaldi Games and a participant in the 2021 Tentacle Zone cohort, emphasizes the value of incubators in providing a platform for developers to meet others in similar situations and grow their network. She also discusses the benefits of peer-to-peer coaching and challenge discussions, which can help solve problems and gain new perspectives. Höge and Nasrollahi both stress the importance of mentors becoming long-term connections that can be turned to throughout one's career. Salman Shurie, founder of Gesinimo Games and part of the 2021 Tentacle Zone cohort, notes that forging connections was a key reason for joining an incubator, which has helped create opportunities he wasn't aware of. He advises studios to have a clear end goal for their project before applying to an incubator, whether it's preparing a pitch deck or completing a playable build. Höge recommends researching available incubators and ensuring they cater to the specific needs of a game development studio. She also suggests looking into the program's offerings, such as mentorship opportunities and access to industry events. Shurie recommends speaking to people who have previously participated in the incubators being applied for, to gain insight into their experiences and determine if it's the right fit. He highlights the importance of organizers fostering conversations between studios in each cohort and building rapport between developers and experienced industry individuals. Nasrollahi provides a list of things he hopes to see from an incubator, including regular masterclasses, mentoring schemes, technical office hours, and industry networking events. He emphasizes the importance of participation in an incubator preparing developers for the real world and helping them build a strong network within the industry. As with many things in life, the benefits of an incubator depend on what you put into it. Höge advises attending all talks, connecting with speakers, and starting conversations to gain knowledge and build relationships. She also recommends choosing the right mentor for your situation and ensuring teammates are connected with mentors. Nasrollahi stresses the importance of being humble and willing to learn from others, managing time effectively to maximize benefits, and asking questions to get the answers needed. After the incubator program is over, it's crucial to maintain momentum and build on the experience. Nasrollahi advises keeping in touch with peers and mentors, acting on the lessons learned, and studying recommended references. Höge notes that small and new studios need to focus on growth, applying their newfound knowledge and network to unlock funding and create sustainable businesses. Shurie concludes that having a clear objective after finishing an incubator is essential, whether it's having a finished product or breaking down a large game into smaller, digestible chunks to build an audience.