Xsolla, a global video game commerce company, has partnered with the Scaffold Institute, a Canadian venture studio, to launch the Xsolla x Scaffold Game Accelerator Program. This 12-week initiative is designed to guide early-stage studios through the creation of a playable demo and a publisher-ready pitch deck, providing tools and resources for success.
As competition in the global gaming industry intensifies, small and mid-sized studios often face challenges in refining their creative visions while demonstrating commercial viability to investors and publishers. The Xsolla + Scaffold program aims to bridge this gap by combining Scaffold’s venture studio program with Xsolla’s publisher expertise, establishing a framework to help studios advance their projects.
Key components of the accelerator include structured learning through tailored Xsolla course modules such as “Pitching to Publishers,” “Game Marketing,” “Publisher Deals,” and “Demo Milestones,” which build foundational skills for both creative and business growth. Participants are tasked with delivering a refined 5–15 minute playable build and a long-form publisher pitch deck by the end of the program.
Further advantages include industry access, where studios will present their projects to a curated group of publishers and investors during a remote showcase event arranged by Xsolla. Expert insights are also provided through pre-recorded video sessions featuring industry specialists, offering guidance on marketing, funding, live services, and production.
Justin Berenbaum, SVP, Global Industry Relations & Funding, Xsolla, stated, “Independent creators are the lifeblood of our industry, and this collaboration provides them with clear pathways to refine, showcase, and secure opportunities for their games. Working with Scaffold allows us to deliver practical tools and connections that help turn creative visions into commercial success.”
Matt Toner, Executive Director at the Scaffold Institute, added, “Our venture studio program was designed to help developers take the most important step in their journey: raising capital. By joining forces with Xsolla, we’re giving Canadian studios an almost unfair advantage: both the market perspective and the industry access they need to move from idea to impact.”
The Xsolla x Scaffold Game Accelerator Program commenced its first cohort in September 2025, with additional cohorts scheduled for early and mid-2026.
Xsolla is a global commerce company headquartered in Los Angeles, California, that provides tools and services for video game developers to fund, distribute, market, and monetize their games. Serving over 1,500 game developers, Xsolla operates as the merchant of record, facilitating global business growth and player reach.
The Scaffold Institute is a Canadian venture studio program that supports emerging creative studios through mentorship, masterclasses, and investment readiness initiatives. The institute focuses on connecting talent with opportunities, helping developers refine their concepts, engage with industry stakeholders, and access global markets.
