The IGDA Incubation SIG is set to introduce its inaugural worldwide survey of game incubators and accelerators at Gamescom

Image credit: IGDA Incubation SIG

This week at Gamescom 2026, the IGDA Incubation SIG is set to unveil a comprehensive international survey examining game incubation and accelerator programs. This initiative seeks to provide the industry with detailed insights into support structures available for new studios.

The study is based on input from 84 individuals who hold leadership or management roles in incubation and acceleration sectors worldwide. The findings will debut during the IGDA Incubation SIG's meetup at Gamescom.

Dr. Pedro Santoro Zambon highlighted the vital role of incubators and accelerators in gaming but also pointed out the previous lack of detailed information about the ecosystem. "This census is an attempt to understand who is doing this work, how they are doing it, and what challenges they face," he explained.

Sho Sato will start by providing progress updates on the SIG's initiatives, while Linn Søvig, who leads the European chapter, will discuss international cooperation among organizations that support game developers.

Vee Pendergrast, who is involved with New Zealand's Centre of Digital Excellence, plans to share strategies for aiding Indigenous developers and other marginalized groups, highlighting CODE's initiatives with Māori and Pasifika creators.

Experienced gaming professional Jason Della Rocca will explore the concept of "inception publishing." This approach focuses on empowering studios at an early stage with the necessary business acumen to ensure they build sustainable ventures and retain intellectual property rights.