gamescom 2026 is just around the corner, and we are ready! We are eagerly looking forward to the world’s largest video game trade fair and are excited to announce who will be joining us in Cologne. Five studios will be bringing their games and present them at the exhibition grounds between August 26 and 30, 2026. Through our “Road to gamescom program”, indie developers from Hamburg get a spot at our joint Gamecity Hamburg booth, and have the opportunity to showcase their projects to an international audience, potential publishers, investors, members of the press, and visitors while building valuable industry connections. Meet the developers at our Gamecity booth in the Indie Arena Booth! 

Meet These Five Indie Teams from Hamburg: 

Pipapo Games – Map Map – A Game About Maps 

Pipapo Games met while studying at HAW Hamburg. At gamescom 2026, they will present Map Map – A Game About Maps, created with support from Gamecity Hamburg’s Prototype Funding Program and as part of the Games Lift Incubator. The game was already released on May 28, 2026.

Players join a young hero and their adventuring party on a quest to find a legendary treasure, relying on their sense of direction and exploration skills. Using the game’s titular maps, players discover locations and clues through real cartographic techniques, ultimately leading them to the long-sought treasure. 

Even before release, the team received notable recognition, including the Ubisoft Newcomer Award at the German Developer Award 2024 and the Best Prototype Award at German Dev Days 2023. 

Duck’n’Run Games – Light of Atlantis 

Duck’n’Run Games consists of three students from Hamburg. Together, they are currently developing the visually striking 2D Metroidvania Light of Atlantis, which is scheduled for release later this year.

At the heart of Light of Atlantis lies a mysterious force: robots and machines assist players in solving puzzles while they explore the legendary ruins of Atlantis. Players must activate switches at the right moment and make clever use of a variety of mechanical companions. In true Metroidvania fashion, the range of abilities and tools available expands steadily throughout the game. The game is to be released later this year.

Duck’n’Run Games developed Light of Atlantis with support from Gamecity Hamburg’s Prototype Funding and as part of the Games Lift Incubator 2024. During development, the three-person team received the Best Prototype Newcomer Award at the German Computer Game Awards 2023 for Light of Atlantis. 

Amberdive Interactive – REPLICORE 

Amberdive Interactive began its journey in the Games Lift Incubator in 2022 and has since specialized in cooperative multiplayer games. The studio has grown to eight team members and is currently working on REPLICORE, supported by Gamecity Hamburg’s Prototype Funding. 

In REPLICORE, teamwork is everything. On a long-abandoned planet, nothing less than digital salvation is at stake. Ancient ruins are filled with dangerous obstacles and mechanical guardians determined to thwart the players’ mission. The game’s intense shooter gameplay is enhanced by the titular Cores, which introduce a unique mechanic. Characters are not bound to their physical bodies and can appear or disappear wherever a Core is deployed. Team members can throw Cores directly into enemy groups or strategic positions, enabling dynamic movement and creative tactics. These mechanics make REPLICORE a fast-paced shooter adventure with strategic depth. 

Buckfish Games – Unbreachable  

The four members of Buckfish Games met while studying in Hamburg. Unbreachable has earned them a place at gamescom. Development was supported through funding from Gamecity Hamburg’s Prototype Funding. 

Set in a dark fantasy world, Unbreachable challenges players to build a castle capable of withstanding attacks from other players’ armies. Starting with nothing more than an empty plot of land, players gradually construct buildings and upgrades, transforming it into a formidable fortress. Strategic placement and careful decision-making are at the core of the experience, as space is limited. Once the fortress can withstand enemy forces, it can be further improved and expanded. Unbreachable creates a compelling gameplay loop that balances construction, defense, and escalating challenges. 

Symmetry Break Studio – Deep Fog Signals 

Symmetry Break Studio was founded in 2022, though the team was already involved with Gamecity Hamburg’s Games Lift Incubator before officially founding the company. Their previous game, “Misgiven” earned several accolades, including the Best Prototype Award at the German Computer Game Awards 2024. This year, they are bringing their new project, Deep Fog Signals, to gamescom. The game is being developed with support from Gamecity Hamburg’s Prototype Funding. 

Deep Fog Signals takes place in the same universe as Misgiven and follows the fate of a research expedition deep within a massive crater. Trapped in a station’s radio room, players must cope with limited bandwidth, coordinate increasingly unpredictable crew members, and decipher incomplete transmissions. Over the course of several in-game days, the situation deteriorates as a devastating storm completely isolates the station from the outside world. The question becomes: is the research mission on the verge of a breakthrough, or is survival now the only goal? 

You can visit all teams and the Gamecity Hamburg team in Hall 10.2 at the Indie Arena Booth. 

Watch the Indie Arena Booth Trailer: