The International Game Developers Association’s Incubation Special Interest Group (SIG) is set to unveil a landmark study at Gamescom 2026, delivering the industry’s inaugural comprehensive overview of the institutions that nurture fledgling game studios. This extensive survey, often referred to as a global census, captures the breadth and depth of game incubation and accelerator programs operating across continents, offering stakeholders a clearer picture of the support network that underpins emerging talent. The data behind the census originates from detailed questionnaires completed by 84 senior figures—program leaders, managers, and coordinators—who helm incubation and acceleration initiatives in a variety of settings, from university‑affiliated labs to private‑sector accelerators. By aggregating insights from this diverse cohort, the research paints a nuanced portrait of how these entities function, the resources they allocate, and the obstacles they encounter in their mission to foster the next generation of game creators.
During the dedicated IGDA Incubation SIG meetup at Gamescom, the findings will be presented for the first time. The session will open with remarks from Chairperson Sho Sato, who will outline recent developments within the SIG and highlight the strategic importance of mapping the ecosystem. Sato will emphasize that, while incubators and accelerators have become increasingly visible as catalysts for innovation, the industry has lacked a systematic understanding of their distribution, operational models, and impact. Dr.
Pedro Santoro Zambon, a leading researcher on the project, will elaborate on the motivations behind the census. “We know that incubators and accelerators are playing an increasingly important role in the games industry, but we haven’t had a clear picture of the ecosystem itself,” he explained. “This census is an attempt to understand who is doing this work, how they are doing it, and what challenges they face.” His comments set the tone for a data‑driven discussion that will explore themes such as funding structures, mentorship frameworks, partnership networks, and success metrics.
A key segment of the program will be led by Linn Søvig, head of the European chapter, who will address the importance of cross‑border collaboration among developer‑support organisations. Søvig will discuss how regional differences in policy, market size, and cultural attitudes shape the design of incubation programmes, and she will propose pathways for greater alignment and knowledge‑sharing across the continent and beyond. Her perspective underscores the potential for a more interconnected global support system that can leverage best practices from varied locales.
The summit will also feature Vee Pendergrast, Industry Development Manager at New Zealand’s Centre of Digital Excellence. Pendergrast will share the centre’s initiatives aimed at uplifting Indigenous creators and other under‑represented groups within the gaming sector. Highlighting the work of CODE (the Centre of Digital Excellence) with Māori and Pasifika developers, she will illustrate how culturally‑responsive mentorship, targeted funding, and community‑building activities can help bridge gaps in access and representation.
Her talk will provide concrete examples of inclusive program design, reinforcing the census’s broader goal of identifying not only quantitative data but also qualitative insights about equity and diversity. Veteran game industry figure Jason Della Rocca will close the session with a presentation on “inception publishing.” This concept advocates for early‑stage support that equips studios with the business acumen, financial literacy, and strategic planning skills needed to build sustainable enterprises while retaining ownership of their intellectual property. Della Rocca will argue that such an approach can reduce the risk of creative dilution and foster long‑term health for independent developers, aligning with the census’s findings that many incubators are grappling with how to balance mentorship with commercial expectations. Beyond the formal presentations, the census data will be made available to attendees in a downloadable format, encouraging further analysis and discussion among researchers, policymakers, and program administrators.
The IGDA hopes that the visibility of this information will stimulate dialogue around standardising reporting practices, establishing benchmarks for success, and encouraging transparency across the sector. In summary, the IGDA Incubation SIG’s debut of the global census at Gamescom represents a pivotal moment for the games industry.
By aggregating responses from more than eighty program leaders worldwide, the study offers an unprecedented look at the structures that nurture emerging studios, the challenges they confront, and the opportunities for collaborative growth. The event’s lineup of speakers—ranging from organizational leaders to advocates for diversity and sustainable publishing—ensures a multifaceted exploration of how incubation and acceleration can continue to evolve, supporting a vibrant, inclusive, and economically resilient future for game development.