Published: 24 Feb 2023
Oscar Clark coaching an Indielab Games pilot
Following two pilot programmes in 2022, Indielab Games today announces the launch of its first UK-wide programme, the Indielab Games UK Accelerator 2023.
Created to help games studios unlock potential, grow, innovate, attract investment and succeed, this inaugural UK-wide Accelerator will be delivered as the first of its kind in three UK cities, Glasgow, Cardiff and London, during Spring and Summer this year. Each of the cities will also play host to industry-wide networking events at the end of each module, and virtual events will extend the programme to welcome international speakers.
Applications are invited from any UK-headquartered games business, although it is anticipated that early and mid-stage developers keen to grow will get most benefit. Applications open today and close on 5th April, with the Accelerator starting in May and running in modules until July. The Indielab Games UK Accelerator 2023 will be delivered in partnership with Creative Wales, Creative Scotland, InGAME, Glasgow City Council, Scottish Enterprise, and Harbottle & Lewis, and is heavily subsided with bursaries available to cover participation fees for the entire cohort. To find out more and apply, click here.
Indielab Games is a division of Indielab, the widely acclaimed provider of bespoke growth accelerators for the UK’s screen sector. Since its inception in 2015, Indielab has supported more than 200 independent creative businesses and their founders, delivering an average £450k increase in growth in the 18 months following programme attendance.
Victoria Powell, CEO of Indielab, says: “This is a really important day for us. The Indielab Games UK Accelerator has been in discussion with partners across the games sector for some time and is a vital focus for us going forwards. Alongside our partners in the industry, we see a real opportunity for bespoke and high-level support for the UK’s emerging games studios, to help drive their continued growth and success. Our job is to be commercial accelerators, connectors of knowledge, and provide pathways to partnerships and investment. We’re here for the long term and committed to working with studios and the wider sector to enable real transformation.”
Andrew Crawshaw, founder at Thunkd (The Magnificent Trufflepigs), was part of the 2022 West Yorkshire Games Accelerator cohort. He comments: “The time spent on the 2022 Indielab Games Accelerator was invaluable. Thunkd has a renewed vision, a clearer understanding of the opportunities available to it, and is ready for the next stage in its
growth. We left the accelerator feeling part of a brilliantly supportive network populated with other local games companies. I would recommend Indielab Games’ programmes to any studio looking to grow.”
The Indielab Games UK Accelerator 2023 will be delivered through an innovative series of masterclasses, seminars, events and showcases, with leading experts drawn from across the games industry. Respected facilitators Oscar Clark and Ella Romanos from Fundamentally Games are part of the delivery team. In addition, there are numerous networking events and an investment-readiness strand that culminates in a valuable investor pitch opportunity, for project investment or equity. Historically, these pitch events have delivered a 20 per cent conversation rate across Indielab programmes, delivering numerous investment deals for attending creative businesses.
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland distributing funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Further information at creativescotland.com. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about the value of art and creativity in Scotland and join in at www.ourcreativevoice.scot
Indielab Games is a division of Indielab, the well-established and widely acclaimed provider of Accelerator programmes for the UK’s content creation sector. Through regional and national programmes that combine bespoke masterclasses, seminars, and events – all delivered by industry leaders and experts – Indielab’s programmes equip companies with the knowledge, skills and networks needed to achieve their full potential.
Amelia York: Amelia@weareindielab.co.uk
