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 120,000 euros and a maximum of 80 percent of the eligible costs.
Do you want to apply for the Gamecity Hamburg Prototype Funding?
Here you will find all relevant information regarding the application process. The application phase for the funding round in 2024 ran from March 7 until April 8. Please read the guidelines for funding prototypes, the application info sheet, and the FAQ carefully. You will also find the templates required for the application as downloads below.
A consultation appointment with Gamecity Hamburg is mandatory before application. Before making an appointment, the applicant must have carefully read all documents and checked the online application form.
The following information from the applicant is also required when making an appointment by e-mail to funding@gamecity-hamburg.de:
- Short project outline (max. half a page of text or a slide)
- Aimed funding amount for the project / planned proof of personal contribution
- Concrete questions regarding the application/funding of the project
You should start preparing your documents for the application (pitch deck, etc.) after the consultation appointment and submit them in time.
You will receive a confirmation via mail from us. If your project is shortlisted, we will ask you to deliver a pitch in front of the awarding committee.
Guidelines, Info Sheet and Templates
All documents and templates are also available in German and can be downloaded here.
Info Video
FAQ
What should I prepare for the consultation appointment?
↓A consultation appointment with Gamecity Hamburg is mandatory before application. Before making an appointment, it is essential that the applicant has carefully read the guidelines for funding prototypes, the FAQ, and the application form (https://airtable.com/shriLG0QklFbSp1b4). The following information from the applicant is also required when making an appointment by e-mail to funding@gamecity-hamburg.de:
- Short project outline (max. half a page of text or a slide)
- Aimed funding amount for the project / planned proof of personal contribution
- Concrete questions regarding the application / funding of the project
What is a marketable prototype?
↓A marketable prototype is a playable version of the digital game to be developed, which gives a realistic impression of the game mechanics, the USPs and the technical realization. The quality of the prototype should be high enough to enable the funding recipients to take further action with their prototype, such as acquiring a publisher deal, start a crowdfunding-campaign or publish their game in early access.
At which point is the development of a prototype considered to have started?
↓Started projects are not eligible for funding. A project is considered to have started, among other situations, when staff has been recruited for the project or when contractual obligations have been made. Retroactive financing is not possible to prevent deadweight effects. If there is already an outline concept or a demo for a project, the stage of development of the project must be clarified in the consultation with Gamecity Hamburg.
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
What documents do I need to submit with my application?
↓To apply the following documents must be submitted:
- Project name
- Personal data applicant
- Pitch deck
- Additional project description
- Intended funding period
- Reference material – mood board, demo, graphics, or animations
- Cost and financing plan & proof of own funds
- Filled-out Diversity Checklist
- Current excerpt from the commercial register, business registration if available or registration certificate (“Meldebescheinigung”) for natural persons
- Signed documents to be submitted in the original:
- De-minimis declaration
- Data protection declaration
- Declarations funding application
- For companies: SME confirmation
All information, forms, and links for the application can be found on https://www.gamecity-hamburg.de/funding/apply-now/#Downloads.
What is the Diversity Checklist?
↓The Diversity Checklist is part of the application process since the first funding round in 2024. In this checklist, information is provided on how diverse the team is and to what extent the project includes diverse topics and characters.Our aim is to encourage applicants to critically question their own structures and habits in relation to the project. Applicants whose team and/or project contribute to the diversity of Hamburg's games landscape can receive a bonus in the evaluation by the awarding committee. On the contrary, applicants are not disadvantaged in the evaluation process if that is not the case for their team and/or project. Find the Checklist in Downloads.
