Espoo Game LAB – game development programme

Programme period: 1.9.2025–28.1.2026
Application period: 16.6.–3.8.2025 

Apply now!(external link, opens in a new window)

To ensure sustained participation and better results, all participants will be required to fully commit to the length of a cycle. Participants will be required to confirm if they will renew their commitment for the following cycle or if they wish to drop-out of the programme.  

At the end of each cycle all participants will pitch their projects to a panel of industry professionals, who will provide you with valuable feedback. 

Participants are expected to dedicate at least 20 hours per week to the programme, with mandatory lectures and workshops held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10.00 to 16.00.

• Equip participants with skills to secure jobs in the game industry, employ themselves or start their own game companies.

• Game design, programming, content production, game production, business know-how, and pitching your ideas.

• Free and confidential support for becoming an entrepreneur from senior business advisors.
• Guidance on business planning, financing, and networking from senior business advisors..
• Peer support groups and workshops to refine business ideas

• Accelerate the growth of early-stage game startups through targeted support.

• Game design, programming, content production, and scaling businesses.

• How to look for funding and to reach out to investors
• Growth strategies, internationalization, and marketing.
• Financial management and cash flow control.

Throughout the programme, all participants will have access to industry experts. A game development professional will conduct lectures, workshops, and one-on-one mentoring sessions. 

To ensure we have motivated participants who are ready to commit, we've set specific selection criteria:

• Basic experience in one or more of the following: programming or game design, 2D/3D art, UX/UI, music/sound design, project management, game business
• Motivation and serious commitment to establishing a game company in the next 6-12 months.

• A well-defined business plan and calculations
• A clear vision for your game project, including target audience and market strategy.
• Evidence of previous game development experience as a team.
• Commitment to scaling your project into a viable business.

Participation in the Espoo Game LAB programme requires a commitment to the following expectations and guidelines. By applying, you acknowledge and agree to these terms:

• Participants must commit to complete a full cycle.
• If a participant needs to withdraw before a cycle has ended, they must notify the programme staff promptly and provide valid reasons.
• The programme is designed for individuals serious about starting a company or advancing their careers in the game industry.

• A minimum of 20 hours per week should be dedicated to program-related activities.
• Participants are required to attend mandatory in-person sessions twice a week; Tuesdays and Thursdays (10:00-16:00)
• Active participation in lectures, workshops, and mentoring sessions as well as coming to the game lab is crucial to ensure a rich learning experience.
• A more detailed schedule will be provided to the selected participants

• Participants are expected to engage actively with their peers, contribute to their teams, and foster a collaborative and supportive environment.

• Participants retain ownership of their projects but must ensure that all work complies with copyright and licensing laws.
• Teams are responsible for negotiating and managing intellectual property rights among themselves.

• Participants are expected to maintain professionalism and respect toward peers, mentors, and staff. Any form of harassment or disruptive behaviour will result in removal from the programme.
• We follow the Code of Conduct of the Finnish Game Industry.(external link, opens in a new window)

• Participants are encouraged to share and collaborate openly, but sensitive or proprietary information shared during the programme must be treated with confidentiality.

• Participants should be open to constructive feedback as well as open to iterate on their work

• Espoo Game LAB does not provide participants with hardware (e.g., laptops), game development tools, or software licenses.
• The programme does not offer financial support for participant projects.
• While the programme supports participants in game development, it does not guarantee that your game will be published or commercially successful.
• Participation in the Espoo Game LAB does not constitute employment with the City of Espoo. Participants will not be financially compensated.