The International Game Developers Association’s Incubation Special Interest Group (SIG) is poised to unveil a landmark study at this year’s Gamescom, offering the first comprehensive global snapshot of game incubator and accelerator programs. This ambitious census, scheduled for presentation during the SIG’s dedicated Gamescom meetup, aims to illuminate the landscape of organizations that nurture fledgling game studios, providing valuable insight for developers, investors, and policymakers alike. The research draws upon the responses of 84 senior figures—program leaders, managers, and directors—who oversee incubation and acceleration initiatives in a diverse array of regions, from North America and Europe to Asia‑Pacific, Latin America and Africa. By gathering data directly from those who run these support structures, the study captures a nuanced view of how incubators and accelerators operate, what services they provide, and the obstacles they encounter.
The breadth of participation marks a significant step forward in mapping an ecosystem that has previously been fragmented and poorly documented. "Incubators and accelerators have become increasingly pivotal in the games sector, yet we have lacked a clear, consolidated picture of the ecosystem itself," explained Dr. Pedro Santoro Zambon, a leading researcher on the project.
"This census is an attempt to understand who is doing this work, how they are doing it, and what challenges they face." Dr. Zambon’s remarks underscore the dual purpose of the survey: to identify the key players and to diagnose systemic issues such as funding gaps, talent shortages, and the need for more inclusive practices. The opening session will be led by Chairperson Sho Sato, who will provide an overview of the SIG’s recent activities and set the stage for the detailed findings.
Sato will highlight how the group’s ongoing efforts to foster collaboration among incubators, accelerators, and independent developers have evolved over the past year, and will outline future initiatives designed to strengthen the pipeline from concept to commercial release. Following Sato, Linn Søvig, who heads the European chapter of the SIG, will discuss the importance of cross‑border cooperation.
Søvig will examine how European entities are partnering with counterparts in other continents, sharing best practices, and co‑creating programs that address shared challenges such as market access, regulatory compliance, and cultural adaptation. Her talk will emphasize the value of a coordinated international network that can amplify resources and expertise.
A particularly compelling segment of the agenda features Vee Pendergrast, the Industry Development Manager at New Zealand’s Centre of Digital Excellence (CODE). Pendergrast will explore targeted strategies for supporting Indigenous developers and other under‑represented groups.
She will detail CODE’s initiatives with Māori and Pasifika creators, illustrating how culturally responsive mentorship, funding streams, and community‑focused events can empower creators who have historically been marginalized in the global market. Her presentation will also propose frameworks that other incubators might adopt to foster diversity and inclusion within their own programs. The final keynote will be delivered by veteran games industry figure Jason Della Rocca, who will introduce the concept of "inception publishing." Della Rocca will argue that providing studios with early‑stage guidance on business fundamentals—such as sustainable revenue models, intellectual property management, and long‑term studio health—can dramatically increase the odds of success.
He will share case studies where early publishing support helped studios retain creative control while achieving financial stability, and will suggest how incubators can integrate these practices into their curricula. Beyond the individual presentations, the census itself reveals several key trends. First, there is a noticeable shift toward hybrid models that combine traditional accelerator sprint‑style mentorship with longer‑term incubation support, reflecting the varied timelines of game development.
Second, many programs report a growing emphasis on post‑incubation follow‑up, recognizing that studios often need continued assistance after the initial program ends. Third, funding sources are diversifying; while government grants remain important, private venture capital, corporate sponsorship, and community‑driven crowdfunding are increasingly part of the financial mix. Challenges identified in the survey include limited access to high‑quality talent pools in certain regions, difficulties in scaling from prototype to full product, and navigating complex IP law across jurisdictions. Respondents also highlighted the need for more robust metrics to evaluate program impact, suggesting that future censuses incorporate longitudinal tracking of alumni success.
The SIG’s decision to publish these findings at Gamescom—a premier gathering of developers, publishers, and media—signals a commitment to transparency and collective problem‑solving. By making the data publicly available, the IGDA hopes to spark dialogue, encourage best‑practice sharing, and inspire new collaborations that can strengthen the global support network for emerging game studios.
Attendees will leave with a richer understanding of the incubator and accelerator landscape, equipped with actionable insights that can inform the design of more effective support programs. Whether you are a studio founder seeking mentorship, a policy maker interested in fostering local creative economies, or an investor looking for promising pipelines, the census offers a valuable resource for navigating the complex world of game development support. In summary, the IGDA Incubation SIG’s debut global census marks a pivotal moment for the industry. It not only charts the current state of incubation and acceleration efforts but also lays the groundwork for future research, collaboration, and innovation.
As the sector continues to evolve, such comprehensive data will be essential for ensuring that emerging studios receive the guidance, resources, and inclusive opportunities they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.