Feedback from Clever Trickster on the start of the EVA program

On April 8 and 9, the kick-off of the EVA from Spielfabrique in Malaga.

This year, 21 studiosaccompanied by 10 experts and mentors have joined the program.

Since 2016, Spielfabrique, through its various acceleration programs, has aimed to boost international business and strengthening ecosystems video games. 

Thanks to a group of international experts, they support both indie studios in the marketing of their first game than established studios who wish to scale up. Their acceleration program, EVA, has been supporting 80 studios.

The Walloon studio, Clever Trickster, supported by WALGA, is one of the 21 studios selected for this 2025 edition. Read the studio's account of the start of the program!

What does this program involve?

This is a annual pan-Europeantaking place on six monthsfrom March to August. During the program period, selected studios will attend workshops, networking sessions and one-to-one mentoring with experts, mentors and publishers, with the aim of increasing their chances of success in their projects and in the growth of their studio.

What themes does the program cover?

Based on entrepreneurship and business skills, this program focuses on:

• Independent project/studio management/organization
• Publishing strategies 
• Long-term financial strategies
• Pitching methods
• Positioning, branding, communication and PR strategies
• Building a community

During the 2-day kick-off in Malaga, the studios took part in workshops and met their mentors.

"First of all, and without a doubt, I'd advise all studios that have gone beyond the creation stage to apply. It's not an onerous process: all you have to do is fill in a short online form. There are, of course, some questions to think about (such as the studio's areas for improvement, strategy, etc.). There's also a pitch deck to share. 

My advice: focus the pitch deck on the studio, not just the game. (…)

Our stay in Malaga was really enjoyable. The atmosphere was friendly, the welcome excellent, the organization top-notch and the setting really nice. We had a few preconceived ideas about the content, as we've been disappointed by other programs, but even though the talks and workshops covered the basics, each one provided us with useful insights or "reality checks" to help us function better as a studio!

What's more, we were lucky enough to be two people, which enabled us to take part in more workshops and pool our knowledge.

The most interesting thing was the two-day exchange with other studios at roughly the same stage as us, as well as with experts and mentors, in a setting conducive to taking a step back: which is essential when you have your head in the game on a daily basis.

That's all I can say at this stage. No regrets, quite the contrary. 

We were assigned two mentors: 

- Lars Håhus - A consultant and former studio manager who worked for Paradox;

- Eva Gaspar - CEO of studio and publisher Abylight. We had already met her once at Nordic. She had helped and advised us when the studio was going through a very complicated phase last year and we had to make some tough decisions.

We're really pleased with the mentors we've been given, and they're very committed. We're convinced they'll be able to help us progress as a studio and as entrepreneurs in our complex industry.

In short: no hesitation.

It's not too expensive (you have to pay for accommodation for both trips and transportation) and not restrictive."

Over the coming months, studios will be attending various online workshops and expert webinars. The program ends on August 18with a closing workshop at Düsseldorf. 

Would you like to take part in this program in 2026? 

Click on the button below to find out more about the EVA program.