Applications Open
Games Clinic · 3rd Edition · 25th September 2026

Meet
Polden.

A bespoke clinic with Kirill Akimkin, Co-Founder of Polden Publishing - a publisher focused on Simulation, Coop/Friendslop, Horror, and RTS/Strategy titles.

Óbidos, Portugal, Technology Park, north of Lisbon
September 25th 2026: Apply by Thursday, September 10th, End of Play
Limited places: studios selected by application
Publisher talk + one-to-one sessions + honest conversations
Apply Now How It Works
Codfish Academy Games Clinic Óbidos
Polden focuses on
Simulation Coop/Friendslop Horror RTS/Strategy

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

Kirill Akimkin opens the day with a talk on Polden's approach as a publisher, what they look for, and what makes a game stand out.

💬
11am to 6pm: 1-on-1 Pitching

Each selected studio gets a dedicated slot with Kirill. 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 Polden 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

Places are limited for September 25th.

We select a small number of studios for each edition. Apply before the deadline and we will get back to you with a decision ahead of the clinic.


Application Deadline
Thursday, September 10th
End of Play. Applications reviewed within 5 working days.
Previous Editions
Edition 02: Aaron Ludlow, Playstack 2026
Edition 01: Guillaume Ancelin, Dear Villagers 2026

Apply for the September 25th Clinic

Takes about 10 minutes. Deadline Thursday, September 10th, End of Play.

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 this edition.

Applications close Thursday, September 10th, End of Play.

info@codfishacademy.com

Apply Now: It's Free