Prototype Funding
Gamecity Hamburg is the contact for prototype funding in Hamburg – from the first consultation appointment to the transfer of the grant. The application period for the first funding round in 2020 ran from March 31 - May 25, 2020.
The application for the next funding round will start in March 2021.
The funding supports developers and game studios (natural and legal persons) to create a prototype for digital games. The non-repayable funds will be granted with a maximum of 80,000 euros and a maximum of 80 percent of the eligible costs.
Awarding Committee
The Committee consists of five experienced industry experts from game development, the Ministry of Culture and Media, and the location initiative Gamecity Hamburg. The committee will decide on the award of the new Hamburg prototype funding.
FAQ
- 1. What can be funded? ↓
The purpose of funding is to develop marketable prototypes of digital games. For the purposes of our guidelines, digital games are interactive electronic works, i.e. software that is based on a game idea, game rules and game objectives, responds to user input, generates moving image content, serves educational or entertainment purposes, and is intended for publication, in particular, computer and video games (Games). Not eligible for funding are digital games that violate the constitution or applicable law and contain content that glorifies violence, incites hatred, pornography or racism.
- 2. Who can apply for Funding? ↓
Developers and developer communities (natural and legal persons) as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are already resident in Hamburg or can prove that they will relocate their headquarters to Hamburg or open a branch or business premises in Hamburg upon receipt of funding are eligible to apply.
- 3. Does the Funding have to be repaid? ↓
No, the Funding for the development of a prototype is granted as a non-repayable grant on a de minimis basis. Only under certain specific circumstances must the grant be repaid.
- 4. Do I have to make a personal financial contribution and what is the amount? ↓
Yes, an own financial contribution of at least 20 percent of the eligible development costs must be budgeted for and evidence of this must be provided. The following possibilities exist, among others, to prove the personal contribution:
- a current bank statement of the applicant/applicant company which shows provides information on own resources
- natural persons need a certified surety, legal persons need a letter of comfort
- an unconditional loan
- in the form of provisions but on a limited scale
- payments in advance out of publisher deals or other contractually guaranteed revenues
Apply now
The start of the application phase for the next funding round will be announced on the Gamecity Hamburg Discord Server, in the Gamecity Hamburg newsletter, on social media and in press announcements. You can find all information regarding the application process on our Apply now page.
