Financing your game's development is critical to its success - and means you get paid for the hard work you've done. But navigating the worlds of investment, publishing and self-publishing can be a minefield for the dev who knows how to build an exceptional game - but far less about how to sell it.
If you have a proof of concept, are in development already - or want to make your second game more successful than your last – this bootcamp is for you. Over eight weeks and with the help of mentors working in games right now, you'll work on getting yourself pitch-ready.
You'll leave with a pitch deck, and the confidence to present it.
And the best part? It's completely free.
creative professionals enrolled
mentoring calls delivered
countries in the network
Too much business support is generic advice. This Skills Bootcamp has been designed specifically for game devs who have a proof of concept - and are considering investment, working with publishers or self-publishing.
There is a lot of learning material online to help you sell a game and build a studio. But it's hard to know exactly what advice to listen to, ignore, and where to prioritise your time. This is what our instructors are here to do, with 60 hours of human support on offer.
You'll learn together with like-minded indies - sharing advice, the highs and lows of development and publishing, and building relationships that last well beyond the end of the programme.
We don’t just teach you about publishing and investment—we help you build the mindset needed to thrive. Developing and selling a game can be an intense and overwhelming journey, which is why our coaches are here to guide you in managing your time, energy, and overall well-being—your most valuable resources. Our goal is to ensure you stay focused and resilient and avoid burnout while pursuing your creative vision.
How do I position my game to a publisher? How do I get the best deal? Should I even try to attract investment? Or what about working for hire to fund my own IP? These are just some of the blockers you may have to become pitch-ready. On this bootcamp, you can ask every single one of your mentors, who are on hand intensely for the first eight weeks - and then for 6 months after too. They won't create your pitch for you - but they will be there to guide you every step of the way.
PUBLISHERS
INVESTORS
PLAYERS
You can create the most incredible game ever - but if you don't have the business nous to get it in front of the right people, in the right way, it may never get into the hands of players. This bootcamp is designed to support committed devs who need a helping hand with all things commercial – and who want a network of fellow indies to grow together with.
Perri Lewis
Co-founder and CEO, Mastered
This bootcamp - built with experts working in games today - is designed for committed devs with a proof of concept or who are in development already. Here is an overview of your journey ...
An in-person event to meet your fellow devs, be introduced to the Skills Bootcamp and the team who will support you, and start work on your pitch-deck - which will continue for the next 8 weeks.
You will end this module with:
• A set of clear goals you are motivated by
• A completed Business Model Canvas
• A market analysis that helps you understand how your game can stand out
You will end this module with:
• An understanding of what good publishing and investment deals look like and how they work
• What milestones you need to factor into development
• A budget and cash forecast
• Knowledge of the Video Games Tax Relief and how to access it
You will end this module with:
• Understanding of the legal requirements every indie must know
• A people plan for how you will hit your milestones
• Better knowledge on your accounting requirements
• Intel of what business operations tools that make your life easier
You will end this module with:
• A better understanding of the role of a publisher
• Best practice on pitching
• Knowledge of what a good deal could look like for you
• Know-how on marketing practices for indies in 2025
You will end this module with:
In the six months after your bootcamp has ended, expect workshops on topics such as:
• Understanding IP
• The role of work-for-hire
• Running an investment round with angels
.... as well as many more
In the last two years Mastered has supported 30+ studios – from Sumo Digital to UsTwo, TT Games to Avalanche – so we know games. This Skills Bootcamp has been designed with our network to ensure you get the support that will help your game stand out to publishers, investors and players.
You will have group video calls, live online classes, personal feedback and emotional support from a team of people invested in your success.
Tom Didymus 
Mentor
I spent the last 10 years building Radical Forge - and am about to launch my own new indie. I'm here to make sure you have what it takes to be pitch-ready – from market positioning to revenue models to legals. Me and the team of mentors are here to give you honest, empathic feedback.
Zoe Brown
Programme Manager
I’m here from day one of your bootcamp. I’ll make sure you are getting the most from the bootcamp at every stage, whether it be setting up your personalised schedule to ensuring you know exactly what to do, when.
Darren Butler
Admissions coordinator
It's my job to make sure that this bootcamp is right for you – that you understand what taking part entails, that you are at the right stage for it, and you are going to benefit from it.
Nishe Patel
Mindset Coach
I’m here to help you present your best self. I will work with you on tackling topics such as building your confidence, communicating your ideas and any other challenges that stop you from publishing the game you want.
We're proud of all the creative professionals, from every walk of life, who have been through one of our career accelerators since 2015. With our new Skills Bootcamp, we want to continue this commitment to finding diverse voices and original talent who've been shut out for too long. Outsiders, misfits and changemakers need apply.
My time at Mastered has been nothing but fantastic. I came into Mastered with absolutely no programming experience whatsoever, to taking on the role of a Technical Game Designer within just the span of 5-6 months, thanks to the help of my mentors!
The team at Mastered is just amazing. I was working a full-time job and was going through a tough time mentally, but they were so patient with any issues I had and pushed me to find a way around problems in ways I never thought about.
The one-on-one mentoring sessions with an experienced Unity developer were extremely useful. Even as someone with lots of programming knowledge, there was still a whole load of game-specific technology, terms, and programming paradigms I had never heard of and just knowing about them gave me the ability to pick them up and learn about them quickly.
You can apply to join the bootcamp through the form below and one of our admissions team will set up a call to find out more about your goals and assess whether this is going to be a good fit for you. Please note, we are selective and there are very limited fully-funded places. We are looking for special talent so please give the questions below proper thought.
