IGDA Aims to Create a Transformative Impact in The Games Development Ecosystem with The Launch of Incubation SIG

IGDA :

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

LOS ANGELES - Feb. 6, 2024 - The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) has initiated a new Incubation Special Interest Group (SIG), to strategically bolster the worldwide game development ecosystem.  The SIG, a global alliance comprising over 80 gaming incubators and accelerators from more than 50 countries, will act as a key catalyst for start-ups and entrepreneurs in the gaming industry on a global scale.
 
The Incubation SIG will foster a nurturing environment for the gaming community. This includes access to a worldwide network of expertise, an open-source toolkit for accelerators, mentor exchange programs, and opportunities for shared exhibitions. 

The Incubation SIG will not just participate in, but also organize major international events. These events will showcase the best gaming startups from around the world, offering them a platform to gain recognition and attract investment.
 
Strategic partnerships form the cornerstone of Incubation SIG's commitment to the industry. By aligning with governments, the private sector, and academia, Incubation SIG will promote policy enablement, secure funding support, forge publishing partnerships, advance research, and nurture gaming talent on a global scale.

Sho Sato, co-founder of indie Game incubator (iGi), chairs the SIG, with a governance structure including an international board comprising a core committee along with seven regional leaders. The committee features Pedro Santoro Zambon (Utrecht University, Researcher) as Vice Chairman, Tiziano Giardini (Quickload, Program Director) as Treasurer, Olle Pridiuksson (Gamedev Camp, Founder) as Communication Leader and notable industry figures like Jason Della Rocca (Execution Labs, Co-Founder), Kadri Harma (Gamefounders, Co-Founder), and JP van Seventer (Dutch Game Garden, Managing Director) as Senior Advisors. 

Regional leadership includes Douglas Ogeto (African Esports Championship, Business Director) for Africa, Deepak M V (OpenPlay Technologies, CEO) for Asia, Suvi Kiviniemi (Metropolia University, Games Industry Specialist) for Europe, Facundo Mounes (Overplay, Head of Games) for Latin America, Ashraf Abi-Said (Nifty Craft, Game Developer & Writer) for the Middle East, Hugo Abel Castro Duarte (BC Media Lab, Founder & CEO) for North America, and Vee Pendergrast (CODE NZ, Industry Development Manager) for Oceania.
 
"We are excited to unfold the IGDA 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" said Mr. Sato.
 
Membership in the IGDA Incubation SIG is now open, welcoming accelerators and incubators world-over to join. Incubation SIG also invites investors, publishers and academia to engage with its mission and contribute to a thriving future for the gaming industry. For more information, please visit https://igda.org/sigs/incubation/.
 
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About IGDA Incubation SIG
 
IGDA Incubation SIG is a non-profit entity dedicated to supporting the global gaming industry's incubators and accelerators. Through its global network and strategic initiatives, Incubation SIG is set to become the industry standard-bearer for gaming innovation and entrepreneurial success.

About the IGDA

The International Game Developers Association is the largest nonprofit membership organization serving game developers worldwide. The IGDA is committed to advancing the careers and enhancing the lives of game developers by connecting members with their peers, promoting professional development, and advocating on issues that affect the developer community.

For more information, please visit www.igda.org.