A successful presentation takes practice. After several years, the Games Lift team of Gamecity Hamburg has developed a certain flow. And after careful preparation, the teams were ready to stand confidently on stage. Everyone knew exactly where to stand, where the cameras were pointed, and when to expect applause – basically all the time. The way the teams cheered each other on during rehearsals was inspiring. 

Success Together 

This supportive atmosphere isn’t new; it is the result of a yearslong effort. It was remarkable, but not surprising to see many Games Lift alumni in the audience. Both a positive studio culture and successful projects are essential in the eyes of Gamecity Hamburg. 

Duck’n’Run Games went first. Since their game “Light of Atlantis”is well-known already and has won a German Games Award in the prototype category last year, some may wonder what they are in the incubator for: to improve their marketing strategy, as team member Alex explained. Vincent highlighted the game’s “Metroidbrainia” genre, emphasizing the role of puzzles in exploring the underwater city. Mentor Søren Lass lauded the young veterans for helping other teams: “You've brought experience to the incubator.” And they’re happy to share it. (Steam Page)

Rouven, developing “Frisia: Tides & Tales” with his solo studio Wetterfest, introduced himself with witty, self-deprecating charm. He explained why the subtitle had changed; in part because the ebb and flow of the tide will be a key gameplay element. He has already taken feedback from various sources, making minor course adjustments accordingly. While “Cozy” was initially in the subtitle, Rouven realized that fans of more traditional city builders were drawn to “Frisia.” This insight influenced his game design. But one important goal remains on Rouven’s list: “Implement cute sheep.” Cozy or not, they belong in Frisia. (Steam Page)

A Visual Feast 

Christina and Melanie from Team Honeybeak presented “Forefeathers”, their story-rich exploration game. The game has gotten even cozier during its time in the incubator: the genre description, the target audience, and every single slide of the presentation exude wholesomeness. To relax is a central part of the game loop. Mentor Björn Bergstein was deeply impressed, praising the team’s courage, commitment, and its “super power” – the exceptional artistic talent on display. After witnessing how the team explained the game’s sweet and dramatic story in just a few illustrations, it was hard to disagree. (Visit the website).

Sven and his new team member Arne are also developing a project that works beyond language. Sven gave a charming introduction to “Garden Ink”, but the real magic happened in the short gameplay video. Every click, every interaction elicited gasps, giggles, and laughter. Mentor Manny Hachey summed it up succinctly: “You see this game, you want to touch it.” Growing and designing a colorful garden by exploring a blank page is a powerful idea, and here, Sven articulated it more clearly than ever. And with Arne on board, the team gets a valuable upgrade. His analytical perspective and his coding skills are helping to turn the vision into a working reality. (Join the Discord)

Being the last to present is never easy. But Finn and Lio from Triflgard proved they could have fun doing it. Their coop-multiplayer game ”Pubcrawler” may be in its early stages, but good vibes are already in. The wandering pub in the demo video was populated by “placeholder assets” – all looking like Triflgard’s team members. Everyday pub life plays out in the form of micro games – like fixing a pipe or pushing a beer across the bar. In the end, the fun the team has working shines through in the game. As long as they can keep laughing, Triflgard are on the right track.  (Visit the website)

The event was streamed on YouTube. A whole new level of hype and mutual admiration between teams and alumni became apparent after the cameras were switched off. But the quality of the projects remains clear for all to see online.

Photos by Jan-Marius Komorek.