Scaffold x Xsolla: A powerful accelerator program for indie game studios

Scaffold Institute’s partnership with Xsolla provides independent Canadian studios with structured support for the business and publishing side of game development. The 12-week accelerator included publisher pitching, marketing, funding, production guidance, mentorship, quality-assurance feedback and a curated publisher showcase. Alberta studios were among the direct beneficiaries. Calgary-based KIB Games received publisher interest and later secured a Calgary Arts Development grant and Epic MegaGrant for Gothic Hell: Survivors, while Calgary’s Braveshell Studio used the program to strengthen StormSphere and continued working with its assigned mentor afterward. Other participating Western Canadian studios gained publisher negotiations, improved demos and clearer commercialization strategies. The program expands Scaffold’s role beyond general studio development by connecting Alberta developers with Xsolla’s international publishing and business network, providing a pathway for small studios to improve their ability to secure funding and publishing relationships.