Empowering studios through connection and collaboration.
If you’re an indie developer, you don’t have to go and do it alone. The Cave Bear Partner Studio Program brings together a network of studios committed to sharing knowledge, resources, and moral support. Alongside a huge community of volunteers eager to help, we can prove that small teams can achieve big things together.
Indie Studios
Benefits for the studios
01
Networking
Connect with other studios for advice, partnerships, and cross-promotion.
02
Community Resources
Access shared tools, educational resources, and partner connections.
03
Visibility
Get featured on our Partner Studio page and in community showcases.
04
Collaboration
Find volunteers and collaborators through our network.
Why join?
Studios join the program to escape isolation, find trusted collaborators, and grow sustainably. Our members come from diverse backgrounds — from ex-AAA developers to junior teams — united by a shared belief in mutual support.
The industry is changing and we are paving the way for a more sustainable and achievable future of games.
01
Complete the Application form
Provide your studio’s name and express your desire to join our community
02
Join our Discord Community
Join the conversation and explore the community.
03
Get Welcomed into the collective
Once approved you’ll gain access to our private channels and resources.
FAQs
Everything you need to know about the Cave Bear Game Partner Program for Indie Studios.
What is the Cave Bear Partner Studio Program?
It’s a global collective of unfunded and self-funded indie studios designed to help small teams collaborate, share resources, and find volunteers. The program supports independent developers who want to stay creative and self-directed without relying on external investors or publishers.
Who can join the Partner Studio Program?
Studios that are currently unfunded or self-funded qualify. Self-funding can include personal savings, government grants, or crowdfunding campaigns like Kickstarter. Studios must be teams of at least two people — solo developers aren’t accepted yet, though that may change in the future.
Can studios with investors or publishers join?
Not at the time of application. The program is designed for studios that maintain full financial and creative control. Once accepted, studios are free to pursue funding later without losing membership.
Do we have to be a registered company?
No. Legal registration isn’t required. Many partners are early-stage teams still organizing themselves. The goal is to make entry as accessible as possible.
What are the requirements or commitments for partner studios?
There are no membership fees or formal commitments. Partners are simply expected to:
- Follow the community Code of Conduct
- Treat volunteers respectfully
- Participate in the private partner chat when possible
- Share open volunteer positions in the Discord’s Opportunities channel
Are there legal agreements involved?
No. The program isn’t a legal partnership — it’s a community network, not a business entity. The only official policy is the Code of Conduct.
Can we recruit volunteers from the Discord?
Yes — if your studio is a member of the program and is currently unpaid or self-funded. However, once you begin paying team members, you can no longer post unpaid roles through the volunteer system (though you remain in the program).
How is the program funded?
Currently, it’s not monetized. Cave Bear Games doesn’t take cuts or charge fees. Future support may come from grants, sponsorships, or donations — never from partner studios or volunteers.
Can tabletop or TTRPG studios join?
Yes! Tabletop RPG development is included under the broader umbrella of game development.