Games Accelerator FAQs UK 2024
Where and when will the programme take place?
The Indielab Games UK Accelerator 2024 be delivered both in-person and virtually. In-person workshops will take place across 4 of the 10 days in Newport and Brighton and will run from May to July 2024 taking place as follows:
Block One – in-person in Newport, Wales
Tuesday 21st May, 9.30am to 5.30pm, followed by networking drinks
Wednesday 22nd May, 9.30am to 5.30pm
Block Two – virtual attendance (online)
Tuesday 4 June, 9.00am to 1.00pm
Wednesday 5 June, 9.00am to 1.00pm
Wednesday 12 June, 9.00am to 1.00pm
Wednesday 19 June, 9.00am to 1.00pm
Wednesday 26 June, 9.00am to 1.00pm
Thursday 27 June, 9.00am to 1.00pm
Block Three – in-person in Brighton, England
Monday 8 July, 9.30am to 5.30pm followed by networking drinks
Tuesday 9 July, 9.00am to 1.00pm – companies will then have the opportunity to attend Develop:Brighton
There will be additional virtual lunchtime sessions taking place online – dates to follow.
Is there a charge to take part?
The Indielab Games UK Accelerator 2024 is delivered with the generous support of our sponsors and funders. Our costs are heavily subsidised and for 2024 the fees are as follows:
Accelerator fee: £2,750+VAT per company, covering two places.
An earlybird discount rate of £2,500+VAT will apply for applications received by 1pm on Friday 8th March 2024.
Fees are per company and include the costs for two members to attend the full programme.
We welcome applications from across the UK and thanks to our funding arrangement and the kind support of our partners at Creative Wales, Creative Scotland and Glasgow City Council, we are able to exclusively offer a number of places on our Nations scheme for studios based in Scotland and Wales.
Companies wishing to apply for a nations placement should detail so on their application form.
This programmes in-person sessions (Blocks 1+3) take place in Newport and Brighton respectively. Travel and accommodation are not included in the programme fee. Subsidised accommodation allowance or prices will be made available where possible and more details will be shared once an offer letter has been issued.
The programme is often over-subscribed, so if a place is not offered this year then we encourage indies to reapply in the following year; many companies have applied twice before being selected.
Does my Indielab Games participation include a ticket to Develop:Brighton?
No, but you will be able to attend our networking event at Unity on the eve of Develop:Brighton.
Who will the speakers and trainers be?
The programme is delivered by Indielab Games core facilitators from the Games Industry and throughout the programme we will be inviting industry leaders from the across the UK and internationally to deliver insight and perspective. These speakers will include leading game studio founders, publishers, platforms, streamers, investors and legal and financial specialists. Full details of speakers will be provided when you are accepted onto the programme, but details of our many previous speakers can be found here.
Is the programme just for founders? Can I bring another member of the team?
Indielab Games Accelerators are designed for founders. We offer two places per company on the programme for founders from each company. If a company has more than two founders we can occasionally make exceptions. If you are a sole founder then we encourage you to bring a trusted colleague, to share your learning on the programme.
What if I can’t attend one of the dates?
We are happy for you to nominate a colleague to attend in your place if you are unable to make a specific date. However, we do require that founders attend at least 80% of the programme.
Is the programme for companies looking to raise investment?
We are a growth accelerator and look at all aspects of growth; we will help you decide whether seeking investment for your studio, is relevant for your growth path. However, the 2024 programme will focus heavily on steps towards securing publishing for your game.
Do you accept applications from start-ups?
Yes – although start-up places are limited, and most attendees are scale-ups. As a start-up, you will need to demonstrate your potential and have the necessary materials for submission.
Who will the other companies be?
Games Studios from across the UK Games sector.
Will I have to disclose confidential information about my company during the programme?
You can disclose as much or as little as you wish, and you will not be required to share sensitive company information in front of other participant companies. However, you may find you get less out of the programme if you are not happy to share your experiences.
Can I apply again if I am not accepted onto the programme?
If you are unsuccessful in your application, then we still want to keep in touch with you. We’ll keep you updated on further programmes and would encourage you to apply again in future.
