The early stages of running a new business is difficult, and this is no less true for game developers. Fortunately, there are programs and initiatives out there that can help give you and your new studio a leg up when it comes to overcoming the initial hurdles.
Incubators are one such initiative. As opposed to accelerators, which are focused on quickly growing established businesses with a minimum viable product, incubators tend to offer support over a longer period – often several months – as well as mentorship. Some even offer a co-working space, while others cater to remote studios, such as the upcoming Tentacle Zone incubator (applications for which close on January 11, 2023).
Regardless of the benefits an incubator offers, simply being part of the program does not guarantee success for your studio. Instead, it's about maximising the opportunities these programs offer you, and in this article, we'll explore the best ways to get the most out of an incubator with some of the alumni from previous Tentacle Zone cohorts.