Scaffold program hopes to level up Alberta's game development scene

Scaffold represented a significant investment in building Alberta’s independent game-development ecosystem, combining $750,000 from Alberta Innovates with $1 million from PrairiesCan. Operated by Shred Capital, the multi-year program was designed to help emerging Alberta studios address commercialization challenges through mentorship, workshops, investor preparation, marketing and industry networking. Rather than focusing primarily on game production skills, Scaffold aimed to create more sustainable and investable Alberta companies and connect local developers with global capital. The program also sought participation beyond Calgary and Edmonton through rural communities, post-secondary institutions and opportunities for Indigenous creators. Its stated goal was to help launch 100 small- to mid-sized Alberta game studios by 2026. The accompanying Game Investors Summit in Banff further positioned the initiative as a bridge between Alberta developers and international industry experts and investors.