From this year onward, a unique new accelerator for game development will launch in the Netherlands.

A maximum of ten young startups will be admitted and invited to come to the city of Groningen to build the game of their dreams. The program offers ample aid* to get you started, including mentorship throughout the year, support in monetization strategies, marketing and more.

The Indietopia Accelerator organises workshops and talks by established developers, pitching sessions with possible clients, investors and publishers offering you many opportunities to present your game to the market. Pitching sessions can also serve as a way to establish first contact with possible clients in order to land work for hire throughout the year.

Whether your product is a serious game, pure entertainment or that one concept you could never finish: you are invited to send your concept or demo to accelerator@indietopia.org
An independent commission will decide upon admitting the ten most promising projects.

Due date for admissions: May 1st, 2018. 

*The aid that participants will receive exceeds €40.000, partly paid as a loan (20k spread over one year, including monthly payments, VentureLab support and rent for offices provided through Indiestad Groningen).  

Experience and Academic background – What is your track record? Did you launch a title before or is this your first game? If it is, do not worry but do expect us to check your credentials and experience in the process.

Viability of project– How sure is your idea to succeed on the market? Do you have a game design document set up and good to go? Did you think about monetization strategy and target market?

Unity in your team – Do you and you team members have a history? Is your new team well-adjusted and able to ‘play well’ together?

Contribution to client and society– Companies looking for serious games are not just looking for a product to fulfill a function or produce data. Games adding multiple layers, including deep gameplay, a healthy dollop of fun and a good amount of functionality are much more likely to build a strong case for clients that are looking for a team at Indietopia. It helps if your game supports the rules of the Indietopia code of conduct and with it, helps society in more than one way.

Art and Sound – Does your game stand out in a crowd? Is your art style distinguished enough to add something new? Most digital distribution networks see thousands of new games published every month. An art style or sound design that stands out has a much bigger chance to catch the eye of the customer.  

Innovation and Creativity – The game industry has changed considerably in a very short time. Free to play titles have overtaken paid games in turnover and each segment of the market keeps on shifting. Creativity is still awarded though and it is our job to keep it alive and kicking.

Are you in need of innovation? Would you like to stand out in your market? The professionals participating in our Accelerator can make this happen. Some examples of how serious games can help your business:

• Automate your work processes and make them more fun;
• Train your personnel in a new and motivating way;
• Increase trust from consumers by having them interact with your products or services in a virtual environment;
• Educate users by playfully showing them your background story;
• Showcase your products or services in a fun virtual environment.

Indietopia’s accelerator program offers a maximum of ten startups professional mentorship throughout the year, support in monetization strategies, marketing and more. The accelerator program is powered by VentureLab North.

The Indietopia Accelerator organises workshops and talks by established developers and pitching sessions that serve as a way to establish contact. If you would like to work with highly motivated professionals connected to the program, do let us know or come to one of the pitching sessions. These will be organised on three occasions throughout the accelerator year. More information can be requested through accelerator@indietopia.org.

We would love to see you at Indietopia!

Mentorship – Throughout the accelerator, teams will be by supported with weekly sessions at VentureLab North. In addition, regular workshops and seminars will be organised. Indietopia will do everything in its power to ensure that inspirational sessions will be available to all participants.

Financial Aid – Teams will receive an amount of € 12,000 in cash, spread throughout the year and paid monthly.

Affordable office space – Rent for your offices will be paid upfront as well, so you can work worry-free.

Branded Games 2.0 is not just a game with a logo, but much more – We like to walk the extra mile when it comes to creating fun, stimulating experiences. Our teams are motivated and ready to produce enticing titles that not only provoke brand awareness but achieve their success by putting fun first. Games are made from a model inspiring corporate social responsibility and with the intention to build player interest first, then present your brand centrally.

Supports the local economy – The Indietopia Accelerator is all about helping the Northern game industry grow and blossom. By choosing to work with one of the developers within our accelerator program, you’ll support the local economy.