Gamecity Hamburg Prototype Funding - How to apply
The Gamecity Hamburg Prototype Funding supports developers and game studios 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.
Do you want to apply for the Gamecity Hamburg Prototype Funding but don’t know how?
Here you will find all relevant information regarding the application process. Please read all the necessary information carefully and check out the relevant information sheets, FAQs, and downloads below.
A consultation appointment is mandatory and is recommended at least two weeks before the respective submission date in order to be able to resolve any arising questions timely and prepare potential applicants for their application in the best possible way. Appointments with the corresponding Gamecity Hamburg contacts can be arranged by email to funding@gamecity-hamburg.de.
After your appointment and if you have gathered all information and documents needed, please fill out the form on Airtable.
You will receive a confirmation via mail by us. If your project is shortlisted, we will ask you to deliver a presentation/pitch in front of the awarding committee.
The application period of 2021 starts in March 2021.

Guidelines and Information

FAQ
- 1. What can be fundend? ↓
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