Applications Closed
Games Clinic · 2nd Edition · July 2026

Meet
Playstack.

A bespoke clinic with Aaron Ludlow, Lead Producer at Playstack - the team behind Balatro and some of the most celebrated indie games of recent years.

Óbidos, Portugal, Technology Park, north of Lisbon
July 3rd 2026: Apply until June 22nd
Limited places: studios selected by application
Publishing Manager talk + one-to-one sessions + honest conversations
Applications Closed How It Works
Codfish Academy Games Clinic Óbidos
Playstack titles include
Balatro Abiotic Factor Raccoin Dark Water Lorne Vale

How It Works

One day. One publisher. Real conversations.

The clinic is not a pitch competition or a panel discussion. It is a focused day where a small group of selected studios get genuine time with someone who knows what it takes to get an indie game published.

🎤
10am: Masterclass

Aaron Ludlow opens the day with a frank masterclass on what publishers actually look for, what kills deals, and what makes a game stand out.

💬
11am to 6pm: 1-on-1 Pitching

Each selected studio gets a dedicated slot with Aaron. You bring your game, your pitch, and your questions. He brings honest feedback.

🤝
7pm: Networking Dinner

The day closes with a networking dinner in Óbidos. Relaxed, informal, and a chance to connect with the other studios and the Playstack and Codfish team.

Who Should Apply

This is for studios that are ready to have the hard conversation.

We select a small number of studios for each edition. We are looking for teams that have something real to show and are genuinely ready to think about publishing.

  • You have a playable build - even a vertical slice or demo. Not just a concept.
  • You have thought about your market - you know who your game is for and roughly where it sits.
  • You are open to honest feedback - even if it is not what you want to hear.
  • You are at or approaching a point where publishing matters - self-publishing or working with a partner.
Probably not the right fit if
  • You only have an idea and no playable build
  • You are not ready to talk about business, market, or commercialisation
  • You are looking for funding rather than a publishing conversation
Codfish Academy Games Clinic Óbidos
Codfish Academy Games Clinic Óbidos
Codfish Academy Games Clinic Óbidos

Apply

Applications are always open.

Places are limited. We review every application and get back to you in the next application cycle. If you are selected, we will confirm the exact date and logistics.


Application Deadline
Closed
Wednesday midnight. Applications reviewed within 5 working days.
Previous Editions
Edition 01: Guillaume Ancelin, Dear Villagers 2026

Apply for a future Clinic

Interested in the next edition? Submit your details and we will be in touch.

We will get back to you within 5 working days.

Application sent ✓

Thank you! We will be in touch within 5 working days.

Something went wrong. Please email info@codfishacademy.com
Óbidos Portugal

The Location

Óbidos, Portugal.

Every Codfish clinic takes place at the Technology Park in Óbidos, a medieval walled town 40 minutes north of Lisbon and 10 minutes from the Atlantic coast.

It is a deliberately small, focused setting. Away from conference noise. The kind of place where real conversations happen.

40 min from Lisbon by car or bus
10 min from the Atlantic coast
Venue: Óbidos Technology Park
Accommodation options available nearby. Details on selection

Don't miss the next edition.

Applications for the July edition are now closed.

info@codfishacademy.com

Apply Now: It's Free