Gamescom 2025: Pitch & Publisher Prep Program With SpielFabrique & 30 European Indies
- 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).
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?

Pricing
IO/CIAIC Members
$100+HST
Non-Members:
$250+HST
Click here to learn about becoming an IO Member