Joystick Labs
Joystick Labs is a mentorship-driven accelerator program focused on identifying and launching the generation of digitally distributed video game companies. The company provides independent game developers early-stage seed funding, mentorship, education and networking. In return, Joystick Labs takes equity in the companies, but studios retain creative control and ownership of the intellectual property.
The video game industry shifting to digitally distributed games has lowered the barriers to entry and required funding for an independent studio. Joystick Labs helps studios develop their digitally distributed game and enter the market with knowledge of the industry. Teams at Joystick Labs take part in a three month session where they work to maximize their chances for commercial success by learning from mentors with video game industry experience. Mentors that have worked with teams at Joystick Labs include individuals from Triangle area video game companies, such as Epic Games and Red Storm Entertainment.
Based in Durham, N.C., Joystick Labs teams work at the offices located in the American Tobacco Campus.
History
Founded in 2010, Joystick Labs hosted its five inaugural studios in the fall of that year. The teams that took part in the first session look to release their games in 2011, while Joystick Labs has started working with new studios.