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, offering the first comprehensive, global snapshot of the ecosystem that nurtures fledgling game studios through incubator and accelerator programs. Scheduled for presentation during the SIG’s dedicated Gamescom meetup, the research aggregates insights from a broad cross‑section of industry leaders, delivering unprecedented visibility into how emerging developers are being supported worldwide. The dataset behind the census is drawn from 84 senior figures—program heads, managers, and coordinators—who oversee incubation and acceleration initiatives in a variety of geographic regions and organizational contexts. By collating responses from these decision‑makers, the study captures a range of operational models, funding structures, mentorship approaches, and strategic priorities.
The findings will be shared publicly for the first time, providing a baseline that can inform policy, investment, and collaborative efforts across the sector. "Incubators and accelerators have become increasingly vital to the health and growth of the games industry, yet we have lacked a clear, data‑driven picture of the ecosystem itself," explained Dr. Pedro Santoro Zambon, a leading researcher on the project. "Our census is designed to map out who is running these programmes, the methods they employ, and the obstacles they encounter, thereby offering a roadmap for future development and cooperation." The opening segment of the Gamescom session will be led by Chairperson Sho Sato, who will provide an overview of the SIG’s recent activities, highlight key trends identified in the survey, and outline next steps for the community.
Following Sato’s remarks, Linn Søvig, who heads the European chapter of the Incubation SIG, will discuss the importance of cross‑border collaboration among developer‑support organisations. Søvig will emphasise how shared resources, joint mentorship schemes, and coordinated funding initiatives can amplify impact, especially for studios operating in smaller or less‑connected markets.
A particularly compelling portion of the agenda focuses on inclusivity and the support of under‑represented groups within the industry. Vee Pendergrast, the industry development manager at New Zealand’s Centre of Digital Excellence, will present case studies on how targeted programs are fostering Indigenous talent. Drawing on the work of CODE (the Centre of Digital Excellence) with Māori and Pasifika developers, Pendergrast will illustrate practical strategies for culturally‑responsive mentorship, community‑led curriculum design, and the creation of safe spaces that respect and celebrate diverse perspectives. The session will conclude with a forward‑looking talk by veteran games entrepreneur Jason Della Rocca, who will introduce the concept of "inception publishing." Della Rocca will argue that providing studios with early‑stage business education—covering topics such as sustainable revenue models, intellectual property management, and long‑term studio governance—can empower creators to retain ownership of their work while building financially viable enterprises.
He will share examples of successful inception publishing pilots and outline how this approach can be scaled across different regions. Beyond the formal presentations, the census data will serve as a catalyst for ongoing dialogue among incubators, accelerators, publishers, investors, and policy makers. By identifying common challenges—such as funding volatility, talent retention, and market access—the study aims to spark collaborative solutions, including shared funding pools, joint mentorship networks, and unified standards for measuring program effectiveness.
The IGDA Incubation SIG hopes that this first global census will not only illuminate the current state of game incubation but also inspire a more coordinated, inclusive, and resilient support system for the next generation of developers. Attendees at Gamescom are encouraged to engage with the findings, ask probing questions, and contribute ideas for future iterations of the survey, ensuring that the ecosystem continues to evolve in step with the rapidly changing landscape of interactive entertainment.