Gamescom 2025: Pitch & Publisher Prep Program With SpielFabrique & 30 European Indies

Interactive Ontario’s ISB Gamescom 2025: Pitch & Publisher Prep Program With SpielFabrique is an online program, spanning over 4 months, launching mid-May. The program will support five Ontario studios in preparing for Gamescom 2025. Participants will receive expert-led sessions on building strong pitches, connecting with the right publishers, and general tips for making the most of Gamescom. Each studio will also receive personalized written feedback on their pitch and event strategy.
At Gamescom 2025 (August 20-24), SpielFabrique will host a dedicated booth space, offering on-site support, resources, and a space for networking with international studios and industry experts. The cohort will also include 30 European studios, providing valuable opportunities for cross-regional connection and collaboration.
  • When: May 2025 – August 2025, Kickoff Session is on May 15, 2025, timing TBD
  • Where: Virtual & Gamescom 2025
  • Who: Independent Ontario video game companies (additional criteria below). Up to two leading members from each studio may participate in this program (ie. Founders, Managers, or Leads).
  • Price:  $100 CAD + HST (IO Members) or $250 CAD + HST (Non-members).

Apply Now

Apply today to secure your spot.

Deadline to apply: April 23, 2025 at 5:00 pm ET. Spots are limited to a maximum of 5 participating studios. Decisions on the final selected participants will be made by IO and notifications will be sent by April 30, 2025.

Program Offerings

Online Workshop – May 13, 2025 | 9AM – 11AM ET

“What does it take to make a good pitch?”

Studios learn how to structure their pitch in order to create a compelling story. They learn techniques to improve their presentation styles and are shown best-practice examples.

May 13 – August 19, 2025

Agile Expert Feedback Loop

Developers can email SpielFabrique, and within 3 working days, they get written feedback on their pitch and/or strategy to attend Gamescom by a professional mentor.

Online Workshop – June 3, 2025 | 8AM – 12PM ET

“Gamescom Spectacular”

In a half-day workshop with European experts, studios learn about the most important events and opportunities at Gamescom, how to approach and book meetings with publishers, and about developing a solid strategy to plan, implement, and control their success at this fair.

Online Workshop – July 3, 2025 | 9AM – 11AM ET

Online Pitching Session with SpielFabrique Alumni and Experts

Studios attend an alumni- and expert-led online pitch event where all teams practice their pitches and receive feedback from successful studios in SpielFabrique’s community. Developers thus also grow their network and gain access to the collective knowledge of the community.

Online Workshop – August 5 & 6, 2025 | 3AM – 12PM ET

1:1 Online Pitch Session

Being a week away from Gamescom, this pitch session is another opportunity for all studios to sharpen their pitch with Odile Limpach, Thierry Baujard and the SpielFabrique team. In the past, we noticed that these last-minute adjustments can make a big difference to the quality of the pitch.

August 20 – 22, 2025

Open Desk at the SpielFabrique Booth

SpielFabrique will host their own booth in the trade fair section of Gamescom. This booth functions as a space to support Indies between their meetings with guidance, support materials and a space to mingle with studios and experts from all over the world. For studios in the Gamescom Clinic, they are offering an exclusive open desk service should they encounter any issues or seek advice during their trade fair experience.

Selection Criteria

Applicants must fulfill the following criteria:

  • Participants must be developing an entertainment video game for PC/Console/Mobile. VR-only Games might be considered but will not be prioritized.
  • Participants must be from an Ontario studio.
  • Participants must be attending Gamescom 2025.
  • At least one participants must hold a senior leadership position in their organization (ie. Founder, executive).
  • Leaders of this company must demonstrate their commitment to business growth and sustainability.
  • Participants should have some form of a pitch deck ready as a starting point.
  • Candidates who are under-represented members of the community (ie. BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, and women) will receive extra consideration and priority.

Expectations & Time Commitment

  • Pay the program fee of $100 CAD +HST (IO members) or $250 +HST (Non-members). You can become an Interactive Ontario Build Tier Member for $500 CAD +HST.
  • Attend all of the virtual program sessions as outlined above.
  • Complete any assigned tasks throughout the program duration.
  • Respond promptly to all email communications with IO & SpielFabrique.
  • Provide feedback to IO by completing a post-program survey.
  • All participants are required to adhere to IO’s Code of Conduct. We are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive space for our community. All participants must treat others courteously, respect privacy, and engage constructively. Harassment, discrimination, or harmful behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated. Please keep language clean and professional at all times.

Who is leading this initiative?

This program will be led by Matthes Lindner (Acceleration Manager at SpielFabrique). Matthes is the lead for Spielfabrique’s acceleration and mentoring programs. Together with experienced mentors, he advises studios on their pitch decks as part of the Gamescom Clinic and the European Game Night. Matthes is passionate about diversity in the games industry, impact games, and sustainability.
Spiel Fabrique logo

Apply Now

Apply today to secure your spot.

Deadline to apply: April 23, 2025 at 5:00 pm ET. Spots are limited to a maximum of 5 participating studios. Decisions on the final selected participants will be made by IO and notifications will be sent by April 30, 2025.

Pricing

IO/CIAIC Members

$100+HST

Non-Members:

$250+HST

Click here to learn about becoming an IO Member

With Support From

Ontario Creates
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