Games Lift Incubator
Games Lift enables indie teams to successfully develop and market their games by providing them with knowledge, resources, and a strong network. Up to five teams are supported per year. They receive a workshop program held by experienced industry professionals, funding of 15,000 euros, individual mentoring, workspace for collaboration, and much more.


What Games Lift offers:
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15,000 euros financial support
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Additional 1,000 euros coaching budget
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Talks and workshops tailored to the needs of game developer start-ups
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Individual mentoring
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Working and exchanging with other indie teams in an office in Hamburg’s HafenCity
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Joint visit of an international industry event
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Access to industry experts through the Games Lift Network
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Peer support & playtesting sessions inside the incubator
Games Lift participants don't cease to impress with their accomplishments - from winning awards to securing additional funding and publisher deals. Find out more about current and former participants of Games Lift here.
More about Games Lift Teams & ProjectsApplication
Find out everything you need to know about applying for Games Lift, eligibility criteria, and the application process here.
The application phase for 2025 has ended. Interested in applying next year? Leave us your name & email here and be among the first to know about upcoming application dates.


Mentors & Network
Games Lift participants will be coached throughout the program by five skilled mentors in regular, in-depth sessions. In addition, a broad network of games industry professionals is available to help out on specific questions in the field of their individual expertise.


Timeline 2025/2026
May 2 - June 10
Online Application Phase
Online applications for Games Lift 2025 are open from Friday, May 2 (1 pm) to Tuesday, June 10 (11:59 pm) 2025. All information regarding how to apply can be found on the Application page.
May 8, 2025
Games Lift Insights: Basic Market Analysis for Indies
Join the Gamecity Team and Cassia Curran, Founder and Strategic Advisor at Curran Games Agency, for insights into our Games Lift Incubator program and a workshop about Basic Market Analysis for Indies. Participation is recommended for all teams who are considering an application. Online event, access only for registered participants - get your free ticket here!
JulyNow
Awarding Process
After careful consideration of all eligible applications, the Awarding Committee invites a selection of applicants to pitch their projects online. The final decision on which teams will enter the Incubator is made after the online pitches.
September 2025
Kick-off for Games Lift 2025
The Games Lift Incubator program starts in early September with workshops, the first batch of financing and an introduction to their mentors in a first mentoring session.
September - December
Incubator Phase 1
In workshops and talks on several days per week, experienced industry professionals give guidance and concrete advice on topics like project management, pitching, financing, legal aspects or marketing.
December 2025 (date tba)
Graduation
After completing the workshop program, the teams present the current state of their projects in a public pitch. You can watch the Graduation 2025 on-site or online.
December 2025 - August 2026
Incubator Phase 2
In regular, individual sessions, the teams receive coaching by their mentors. The Games Lift Network will be available for individual questions regarding all aspects of game development throughout the year.
FAQ
What are the goals of the Games Lift Incubator?
↓The Games Lift Incubator aims to enable young developer teams to create successful digital games with high market potential. Its mission is to provide the developer teams with the necessary resources to allow them to work on their projects with high concentration accompanied by input from experienced industry professionals.
Who can apply for the Games Lift Incubator?
↓Eligible to apply are both natural persons as well as Small and medium-sized companies (SMEs); developers and developer associations, student teams, start-ups, and teams in the process of founding a company.
Please note:
- Team size should not exceed 5 members per team.
- All team members should be available to attend Games Lift events and workshops during the incubator year. Please note that Phase 1 (September to early December) can be very time-consuming with several workshops and meetings per week.
- The precondition is always that the team is already based in Hamburg or can prove that they will relocate their residence to Hamburg or open a subsidiary or branch establishment in Hamburg upon entering the Games Lift Incubator program, at least for the duration of the workshop phase (i.e., from September to December).
When and how can I apply?
↓Gamecity Hamburg runs one application period for Games Lift each year. The application phase for Games Lift 2025 ran from May 2 (1:00 pm) to June 10 (11:59 pm). To make sure you are up to date with all deadlines regarding our funding programs, join our Discord Server and subscribe to our monthly newsletter. A detailed document on How to apply for the Games Lift Incubator can be found here and will take you through the application form step by step.
We strongly recommend a consultation appointment before submitting the application. Please contact us at funding@gamecity-hamburg.de to set up an appointment and include the following information:
- Short project outline (max. half a page of text or a slide) of the project
- Background of the team (max. half a page of text or a slide)
- All your questions regarding the application
Interested in applying next year? Leave us your name & email here and be among the first to know about upcoming application dates.
What does the Games Lift Incubator offer?
↓Games Lift supports participating teams for one year: they receive financial support of 15,000 euros, individual mentoring, access to a broad network of industry professionals, and the opportunity for close exchange with other games start-ups. At the heart of the incubator program, there is a workshop program tailored to the needs of game developers from September to early December.