The newly established IGDA Incubation SIG (Special Interest Group) has officially launched, bringing together over 80 gaming incubators and accelerators from more than 50 countries. This global alliance aims to be a critical catalyst for startups and entrepreneurs within the game industry worldwide.
Chaired by Sho Sato, Co-Founder of iGi / indie Game incubator, the SIG boasts a robust governance structure, featuring an international board with core committee members and seven regional leaders. Key figures in the gaming industry, including Pedro Santoro Zambon, Ph.D., as Vice Chairman, Tiziano Giardini as Treasurer, and renowned professionals like Jason Della Rocca, Kadri Harma, and JP van Seventer serving as Senior Advisors, contribute to the strategic direction of the SIG. The regional leadership comprises representatives from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Oceania.
The overarching mission of the SIG is to act as a transformative force, revolutionizing game development by serving as a beacon for global innovation, support, and growth for startups and entrepreneurs in the game industry. Through a collaborative approach involving events, knowledge exchange, and strategic partnerships, the IGDA Incubation SIG aspires to create a nurturing environment for the gaming community.
The SIG's agenda includes providing access to a worldwide network of expertise, developing an open-source toolkit for accelerators, facilitating mentor exchange programs, and offering opportunities for shared exhibitions. Additionally, the Incubation SIG plans to actively participate in and organize major international events, acting as a platform to showcase the best gaming startups globally, providing them with visibility and opportunities for investment.
By aligning with governments, private industry players, and academia, the IGDA Incubation SIG aims to play a pivotal role in promoting policy enablement, securing funding support, forging publishing partnerships, advancing research, and nurturing gaming talent on a global scale.
Sho Sato expressed excitement about the launch, stating, "We are thrilled to unfold Incubation SIG’s vision of a supportive, interconnected incubator/accelerator ecosystem that propels gaming startups to new heights. We’re not just creating connections; we’re nurturing the very foundations of gaming innovation and entrepreneurship."
The launch of the IGDA Incubation SIG signifies a significant step in unifying and strengthening the global game development ecosystem, with a focus on empowering startups and fostering innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of the gaming industry.