Xsolla, a prominent global video game commerce company, has announced the launch of its Developer Scholarship Programme – Cologne 2026. This initiative is specifically designed to support independent and mid-tier game developers who might otherwise face financial obstacles preventing their attendance at Gamescom 2026 in Cologne, Germany. Gamescom is widely recognised as the world's largest gaming event, providing a crucial platform for developers, publishers, investors, and industry leaders to connect, showcase projects, and forge vital business relationships.
The scholarship aims to provide promising studios and individual creators with access to this influential industry gathering. Successful applicants will receive a Gamescom Business 3-Day ticket, four nights of hotel accommodation in Cologne, and entry to exclusive Xsolla-hosted networking events. Additionally, recipients will be introduced to various Xsolla teams, including those focused on Funding, Marketing, Integration, and Customer Success, alongside receiving exclusive Xsolla merchandise.
Selection for the programme is merit-based, with applications reviewed by a committee of industry professionals. Criteria for selection include the quality of the developer's projects, their development progress, business potential, and overall readiness to benefit from the Gamescom experience. To be considered, applicants were required to submit a playable game prototype, gameplay footage, and detailed information about their studio and project. Eligible projects must be unreleased titles currently under development.
The scholarship was open to developers worldwide aged 18 or over, who are capable of travelling to Cologne and meeting all necessary legal and travel documentation requirements for entry into Germany. Applications for the programme opened on 1 July 2026 and closed today, 15 July 2026, via Xsolla's dedicated scholarship portal. Applicants holding a German visa or those exempt from visa requirements were encouraged to apply.
Berkley Egenes, Chief Marketing & Growth Officer at Xsolla, emphasised the importance of Gamescom as the industry's most significant gathering, creating opportunities for developers to connect with crucial partners, investors, publishers, and fellow creators. He stated that the scholarship programme is intended to help talented developers overcome financial barriers, granting them access to the resources, relationships, and opportunities essential for bringing their games to wider audiences.