The Self-Publishing Framework (SPF) is designed to help indie game studios build lasting in-house publishing expertise through hands-on workshops, expert-led sprints, and a supportive cohort of fellow developers.

Over four months, participants will work on market validation and community building to social media strategy and go-to-market planning, with guidance from industry experts behind successful self-published games.

Apply now for SPF 2026

Reminder to submit your application by October 19th, 2026 at 23:59 CEST. You can do it! Let us know if you need help.

Build self-publishing capabilities from the inside out

What you’ll gain through the framework:

Practical self-publishing skills you can apply immediately
Targeted mentorship through outcome-driven sprints
Workshops on market validation, community management, and influencer strategy
A network of peers and industry experts to grow with

The Self-Publishing Program operates on a dynamic, results-driven sprint model that differs from traditional mentorship structures.

Rather than assigning a single mentor to guide studios throughout the entire program, we organize targeted ‘sprints’ — intensive 4-6 week focused work periods where expert mentors collaborate with participating studios to define concrete, achievable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and execute strategies to hit them.

Participation Fee:

€1200 for 3 interactive self-publishing workshops.
€1800 for 3 workshops + 3 mentored sprints*
€3500 for the above + 90h of self-learning game business course.

*Studios from the NRW (North Rhine-Westphalia) region are exempt from any fee in this tier!

Schedule

The program runs from November to February.

October 2026

Call for applications

The call for applications is launched worldwide. Selected studios will have an Online Onboarding Call.

November 2026

Market Validation

Workshop: Player and Market Validation

Sprint: Market Validation

December 2026

Community Management

Workshop: Community Management

Sprint: Community Engagement Planning

January 2027

Social Media

Workshop: Social Media and influencers

Sprint: Social Media Presence

February 2027

End of the program

Online Wrap-up Session

After the program ends, there will be bi-monthly check-ins with the cohort and mentors. Dates may vary slightly, additional events and meetings may follow.