Scottish Game Developers Association opens applications for Games Accelerator programme

The Scottish Game Developers Association (SGDA) has opened applications for the country’s first games accelerator programme.

Announced on September 24, 2025, the Scottish government-funded Games Accelerator programme will see participants attending nine in-person workshops between November 2025 and March 2026.

These workshops cover areas such as product development, financing, and pitching to publishers, and will be led by game industry experts. Participants will also gain access to mentor advice and support from experienced developers.

Throughout the programme, participants will develop “small game prototypes” within teams to “put their learnings into practice.”

The programme then culminates in participants pitching their game and business plan at Games Talk Live, held in Edinburgh, Dundee, and Glasgow from March 24 to March 26, 2026.

“Scotland’s burgeoning games talent will directly benefit from this practical business skills development course,” said Cian Roche, general manager of SGDA.

“Expert advice and feedback, knowledge of clear routes to funding, and the opportunity to pitch to a cross-section of the industry will give participants the confidence they need to put a concrete plan into action and grow a successful games business.”

Applications for the Games Accelerator programme close on October 15, 2025, at 5pm BST, with the accelerator open to “Scotland-based early-stage and aspiring games leaders.”

As “places are limited,” the programme only accepts a maximum of two applicants per studio or team. While the programme is free to attend, hardship funding is available for the mandatory in-person attendance. You can apply here.

Last week, UKIE launched Interactive Entertainment Scotland (IES), a new, dedicated Scottish body designed to “champion the country’s rapidly growing games sector.”