More initiatives of the Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft
De
More initiatives of the Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft

Prototype Funding: New Funding Round Starts - with Higher Maximum Amount

The application phase for Prototype Funding has started and is open until April 11! New this year: if you plan to combine the Gamecity Hamburg Prototype Funding with other public funding programs, it is possible to apply for up to €120,000 instead of the usual €80,000.

The application phase for the new round of Prototype Funding has begun. Developers, teams and companies can submit their application documents until April 11, 2022 (11:59 pm). Please note: Before the application is submitted, a mandatory consultation with Gamecity Hamburg must take place. We recommend holding the meeting at least two weeks before you submit your application in order to resolve any questions or uncertainties if necessary.

Who can apply?
Developers, teams or SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) that are already based in Hamburg, will relocate to Hamburg when they receive funding, or will open a branch office in Hamburg can apply.

How much money can be applied for?
The funding may cover a maximum of 80 percent of the project costs; applicants must contribute 20 percent themselves and be able to prove this. If applicants only apply for Prototype Funding from Gamecity Hamburg, the maximum amount a project can receive is 80,000 euros. New from this funding round: If developers apply with the same project for other public funding, such as the federal computer games funding (Computerspieleförderung des Bundes), which they plan to cumulate with the Prototype Funding, the maximum funding amount of the prototype funding increases to 120,000 euros. Projects applying for this amount of funding must meet both the funding criteria of the Gamecity Hamburg Prototype Funding and the other funding program they apply for.

The goal behind this change is to provide greater support for developers in the realization of larger projects. The rule that the applicants' own contribution must be at least 20 percent of the project costs still applies in the case of cumulation, as do, of course, the rules of the respective other funding programs.

For more information, you can find general facts, the timeline of the funding round and the games that have been funded so far here, and our FAQ for prototype funding here.

All application documents can be downloaded here.
Please note: Some documents have to be submitted physically, these also have to arrive within the deadline. So please remember to send them in time. Of course, you can also deliver them directly to our office, but please be aware that the letterbox is not available in the evenings and at night. We will let you know before the deadline via social media until when you can drop the documents off on April 11.

There will again be a second round of funding this year, the application period for which will run from August 29 to October 4, 2022.

News

Big Success for the first Portside Game Assembly 2025

On June 26 and 27 we celebrated the successful premiere of Portside Game Assembly. A B2B conference for indie studios with 100 selected studio directors from 15 countries on a ship cruising through the port of Hamburg. The event provided a confidential setting for studio executives to exchange ideas and gain new perspectives.

Gamecity Hamburg brings Hamburg Game Studios to Gamescom 2025

Gamecity Hamburg brings four indie studios to the next gamescom 2025 from August 20 to 24. Find out more about the indie teams at gamescom 2025 and our "Road to Program".

Pride Month 2025 - Tips and Events

Happy Pride Month! We compiled some information and events and tips for the ongoing Pride Month to celebrate Diversity in Games and those who make them.

Games Lift: Why We Went to Nordic

Conventions are an essential part of gaming. They bring the industry together for fun and business. That’s why the trip to Nordic Game in 2025 was a highlight for Gamecity Hamburg.

The Hamburg Delegation poses in front of a Nordic Game Sign

Recap: Nordic Game Conference 2025

Let's look back at our Nordic Game Conference: We attended the Nordic Game Conference 2025 in Malmö, with the Games Lift Incubator 2024 teams and four Hamburg indie game developers and their game projects who attended via Road to Nordic 2025.

Gamecity Hamburg Prototype Funding 2025: Six Prototypes Funded

In the latest round of funding 2025, Gamecity Hamburg supports six promising digital games with up to 80,000 euros each as a non-repayable grant.

Deutscher Computerspielpreis 2025 Photo by Franziska Krug/ DCP via Getty Images

Games Lift: An Incubator With Quantifiable Success

Is the Games Lift incubator worth it? Sure. Anyone can say that, but facts are better than empty claims. We have numbers to show what the incubator brings. 

Applications open for “Games Forged in Germany”: The Steam Sale organized by Games Germany enters its fourth round

German Developers, studios and publishers with their headquarter in Germany can now apply for the Games Germany Steam Sale for "Games Forged in Germany" 2025 until June 9, 2025.

Portside Game Assembly: Conference Speaker and Program Announced

Portside Game Assembly will take place on June 27, 2025 - Time to announce the full conference speaker and program line-up! This new dedicated B2B conference invites dedicated international indie game leaders aboard a ship cruising Hamburg’s famous harbour. In this focused and collaborative setting, indie leaders and decision makers will engage in a curated program of keynotes, impulse talks, and roundtables.

Games Lift 2025: Apply now from May 2 until June 10

Applications for Gamecity Hamburg's 2025 Games Lift are open from May 2 to June 10. Five teams will receive financial support in form of 15,000 euros, a comprehensive workshop program and access to the Games Lift Network of international industry experts. In addition, the teams can benefit from 1,000 euros in coaching budget. After a three-month workshop phase, the teams will be further supported with individual mentoring and will travel together to an international industry event until August 2026.

Road to Nordic 2025 - These Four Hamburg Games are Traveling to Malmö

With a spacious expo area, exciting developer showcases and many opportunities for business meetings, the Nordic Game Conference is one of the most important games conferences in Europe. It offers developers plenty of opportunities to network and meet relevant business contacts in person. Gamecity Hamburg will be back again in 2025, bringing four indie games from Hamburg to Malmö as part of the “Road to Nordic” program.

Road to gamescom 2025 - Apply until April 16!

Road to gamescom is back: We offer spots at our joint Gamecity Hamburg booth at the Indie Arena Booth for Hamburg-based studios, teams and devs. Apply now until April 16!

More News
Cookies are used to make this website work and to enhance your experience.

To learn more about the types of cookies this website uses, see our Cookie Policy. You can decide for yourself which categories you want to allow. Please note that based on your settings, not all functions of the website may be available.

Cookies are used to make this website work and to enhance your experience.

To learn more about the types of cookies this website uses, see our Cookie Policy. You can decide for yourself which categories you want to allow. Please note that based on your settings, not all functions of the website may be available.

Your cookie preferences have been saved.