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

Games Lift 2024: These five developer teams will receive the Hamburg incubator funding

July 24, 2024

Hamburg, July 24: Five teams have won over the Games Lift awarding committee with their game projects. On September 9, the Games Lift Incubator will start for them as a unique support program in Germany. Included is a one-year workshop and mentoring program with international industry experts and 15,000 euros in financial support, as well as room for collaboration and exchange with the other participating teams. More than 30 experts in game design, product development, pitching, business development, press relations and marketing from the Games Lift network will share their experience with the teams to give their projects a professional start. Starting this year, the program also offers participating teams a joint trip to an international industry event. The Games Lift Incubator is organized and implemented by Gamecity Hamburg on behalf of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. 

A total of 21 teams and solo developers applied for the fourth Games Lift Incubator. The decision for the five participating teams was made by the awarding committee, consisting of Kristin von der Wense (Publishing Producer Daedalic Entertainment), Ole Schaper (Managing Director The Sandbox Hamburg (Sviper GmbH)), Heiko Gogolin (Managing Director Rocket Beans Entertainment) and Tobias Graff (Co-Founder, Programmer and CEO Mooneye Studios). 

Margarete Schneider, Project Manager at Gamecity Hamburg, on the award committee's decision: “We are delighted with the large number of applications for our incubator and the high standard of the pitch decks submitted once again. It is particularly pleasing that we are receiving more applications from outside Hamburg, who see the city as an attractive location for starting a new business. The Games Lift Incubator provides gaming start-ups with comprehensive starting support and enables them to forge connections in Hamburg's diverse games scene.  

The five winner projects and teams for Games Lift Incubator 2024: 

  • ForeFeathers by Team Honeybeak 

  • Frisia – Cozy Villages by Rouven Cabanis  

  • Light of Atlantis by Duck ‘n’ Run Games 

  • Pubcrawler by Triflgard 

  • Tiny Garden by Tales from the Garden 

ForeFeathers by Team Honeybeak is a 3D Puzzle-Platformer where players slip into the role of a penguin, who explores the sky-high ruins of an ancient civilization of birds. Traversing the flying islands with the ancient powers of flight, solving tricky puzzles and keeping the penguin’s friends away from trouble are some main aspects of the game.  

In Frisia – Cozy Villages by Rouven Cabanis the player gains control over an uninhabited Northsea island and is tasked with building a functional, yet cozy and beautiful little town. Inspired by the frisian architecture of the Dutch and German Northsea coast, Frisia aims to create a cozy gameplay experience in harmony with simple town-building and strategy game mechanics.  

Light of Atlantis by Duck ‘n’ Run Games is a 2D puzzle metroidvania in which players take on the roles of various robots with individual abilities to explore the sunken ruins of Atlantis. By draining and releasing water into the various rooms, the robots shape their environment and improve their chances against different enemies. Light of Atlantis was part of the Gamecity Hamburg prototype funding in 2023 and received in the same year the German Computer Game Award (Deutscher Computerspielpreis) in the category “Best Prototype”.   

Pubcrawler by Triflgard is a co-op PC game in which up to four players need to work as a team, to navigate a giant, mechanic, wandering pub through an apocalyptic wasteland. In the process, they must complete a variety of challenging tasks that can only be mastered as a team. Working together efficiently, pleasing the different guests and keeping a cool head even when the giant pubcrawler faces technical issues are the key to a successful journey. 

In Tiny Garden by Tales from the Garden players slip into the role of a deity who fills a deserted planet with life. Together with their servants, a group of cute leaf creatures that must be protected from evil spirits, they plant a constantly growing garden. As soon as the garden is fully grown, the evil spirits can be soothed and the player can move on to the next planet in help. 

More information about the projects at https://gamecity-hamburg.de/incubator/  

The incubator program addresses the individual needs of developers with comprehensive workshops, mentoring and coaching content. Workshops and mentoring sessions are offered in the fields of project management, marketing and business start-up. 

After completing the three-month workshop program of Phase 1, the teams will present their results to a broad audience at a final public pitch in December 2024. Phase 2 will immediately follow and will run until September 2025. 

For the second time in a row, selected mentors will work even closer with the teams and will support them directly and according to their needs throughout the entire incubator period; Manny Hachey (Accelerator Program Director, Xsollar), Björn Bergstein (Coach & Consultant for Management and Leadership), Daniel Marx (CEO & Game Director Osmotic Studios), Søren Lass (Founder Tugboat Interactive UG) and Steffen Rühl (Expert for digital and analog games industry). In periodic, personalized mentoring sessions, they will provide advice to the teams and their project progress.  

In addition, the Games Lift Network, with more than 30 experts from all areas of the industry, will once again provide support to the participating teams on specific issues from all areas of the development and marketing of digital games.  

As a premiere of Games Lift Incubator 2024 the teams will get the chance to visit an international industry fair event accompanied by Gamecity Hamburg to learn more about the international business behind the games industry.  

You don't want to miss the registration start for Games Lift Incubator 2025? Then sign up for our Games Lift Mailing List at https://airtable.com/shrHJMH96v6fYe2yQ.  

Further funding opportunities through Gamecity Hamburg 

In addition to the Games Lift Incubator, Gamecity Hamburg also supports developers and games companies from Hamburg with a prototype funding. Each year, 400,000 euros are available for games projects from Hamburg, of which up to 120,000 euros can be applied per game. The next application round will start in spring 2025. 

All information on prototype funding can be found at https://gamecity-hamburg.de/funding/

For further questions please contact: 

Senta Gohr
Gamecity Hamburg
PR Manager 
T +49 40 23 72 435- 74 
senta.gohr@gamecity-hamburg.de  

About Gamecity Hamburg 

Gamecity Hamburg supports, connects and makes the gaming hub Hamburg visible. Founded in 2003, Gamecity Hamburg is the longest existing public funding institution for the games industry at the state level in Germany and celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The aim is to improve the general conditions for companies and founders of the games value chain in the city, to support them in their further development and to anchor Hamburg in the public perception as one of the leading games locations in Germany. Gamecity Hamburg is the contact point for Hamburg's games funding as well as the Games Lift Incubator and also offers programs, events, and services in close cooperation with the games industry to strengthen local developers. At the same time, the exchange of knowledge within the sector and with other industries is promoted. The promotion of young talent, the development of new formats that activate the strong network of games companies in the city, and internationalization are the focus of the location initiative's activities. Gamecity Hamburg is part of Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft. 

About the Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft  

Since its foundation in 2010, Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft has seen itself as a central contact point for all players in Hamburg's creative industries from the eleven sub-markets of architecture, visual arts, design, film, literature, music, press, radio, software/games, theatre/dance, and advertising. It supports creative professionals with contemporary services and promotes innovation within the framework of the "Cross-Innovation Hub" project. Since 2017 the industry-specific initiatives Gamecity Hamburg, nextMedia.Hamburg and Design Zentrum are part of the Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft mbH. 

Further Press Releases

Gamecity Hamburg brings five start-ups to the Indie Arena Booth at gamescom 2024

July 18, 2024

Hamburg, July 18, 2024 gamescom, the world's largest trade fair for video games, is returning to Cologne from August 21 to 25. Through the “Road to gamescom” program…

Gamecity Hamburg Prototype Funding 2024: Hamburg funds five prototypes of digital games

May 28, 2024

Hamburg, May 28, 2024: As part of its prototype funding, Gamecity Hamburg supports five games projects in the 2024 funding round with up to 80,000 euros non-repayable funds.

Games Lift - the Incubator for Game Developers - from Gamecity Hamburg enters Round 5: Application phase until June 10

May 2, 2024

Hamburg, May 2, 2024 The location initiative Gamecity Hamburg kicks off the application phase for their Games Lift Incubator 2024.

Application start for the Games Germany Steam Sale for games "Made in Germany" 2024

March 18, 2024

Hamburg, March 18, 2024, Following the success of the "Made in Germany" Steam Sales organized by Games Germany with more than 200 games each in 2022 and 2023…

Gaming Meets Business - Hamburg Games Conference 2024 brings the international games industry together

March 7, 2024

Hamburg, March 7, 2024 The 15th Hamburg Games Conference (HGC) gathered about 365 international trade visitors and 42 speakers from 255 companies in Hamburg on March 5 and 6.

Application Start for Gamecity Hamburg Prototype Funding on March 7 and New Diversity Checklist

March 4, 2024

Hamburg March 4, 2024: From March 7 to April 8, founders, start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can apply for Gamecity Hamburg's Prototype Funding.

Opportunities, Licensing & Technological Innovation: Gaming meets Business at the Hamburg Games Conference 2024

February 7, 2024

Hamburg, February 7, 2024 On March 5 and 6, the Hamburg Games Conference (HGC) will become the meeting point for international games companies and start-ups…

Gamecity Hamburg strengthens team in 20th anniversary year

August 21, 2023

Hamburg, August 21, 2023: Gamecity Hamburg expands its team in the 20th anniversary year of the location initiative:

Hamburg Games Conference on March 5 and 6, 2024 with a business focus on "Invest in Games"

August 15, 2023

Hamburg, August 15, 2023 … The Hamburg Games Conference will once again bring together the international games industry on March 5 and 6, 2024, under the guiding theme "Invest in Games".

Games Lift: These are the five teams for the Hamburg game developer incubator in 2023

July 17, 2023

Hamburg, July 17: Five teams have won over the Games Lift awarding committee with their game projects.

Gamecity Hamburg funds 6 digital game prototypes with 410,000 euros in its 20th anniversary year

May 10, 2023

Hamburg, May 12, 2023: In the 2023 funding round, Gamecity Hamburg is supporting six game projects with a total of 410,000 euros as part of the Prototype Funding program.

4th year of Games Lift: The application phase for the incubator program for game developers has started

May 2, 2023

Hamburg, 02. Mai 2023:

20 Years of Supporting the Games Industry in Hamburg

April 12, 2023

Hamburg, April 18, 2023: Hamburg is one of Europe’s gaming hotspots: 2,500 people are working in over 190 game companies in the city.

Bewerbungsstart für den Games Germany Steam Sale für Computerspiele „Made in Germany“

April 5, 2023

Hamburg, 05. April, 2023:

400,000 euros for games "Made in Hamburg" - Applications for Gamecity Hamburg Prototype Funding 2023 open March 3

March 3, 2023

From March 3 to April 5, founders, start-ups, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can apply for Gamecity Hamburg's Prototype Funding.

The international games industry meets in Hamburg - 500 guests at the Hamburg Games Conference 2023

March 3, 2023

Welcoming the games world on-site in Hamburg - 500 conference guests and 50 speakers traveled from 26 countries to the 14th Hamburg Games Conference on March 1 and 2.

Hamburg Games Conference releases program for March 1 & 2: 30+ speakers, expo, pitch competition, matchmaking & networking

February 9, 2023

An extensive program as well as the ideal opportunity for matchmaking with the German and international games industry awaits guests of the 14th Hamburg Games Conference on March 1 & 2.

Hamburg Games Conference announces first speakers for 2023 edition

December 7, 2022

Under the main topic "Invest in Games", the Hamburg Games Conference will bring together participants from the international games industry at the Altonaer Museum in Hamburg on March 1 and 2, 2023.

Hamburg Games Conference 2023: Focusing on the topic “Invest in Games” on March 1-2, 2023

November 22, 2022

The Hamburg Games Conference will return on March 1 and 2, 2023 as an on-site event in a new location in Hamburg.

Polaris Convention & PLAY Festival (GER only)

October 24, 2022

Hamburg, 24. Oktober 2022:  … Gleich zwei Gaming-Großereignisse hat Hamburg diesen Herbst zu bieten:

Games Lift Incubator 2022 supports five teams from Hamburg in starting out in professional game development (GER only)

September 14, 2022

Hamburg, 13. September 2022: Der Games Lift Inkubator ist gestern mit einer erfolgreichen Kick-Off-Veranstaltung ins dritte Jahr gestartet.

School Internship Games 2023: Hamburg-based companies offer 3 weeks internship in January

September 1, 2022

During the "School Internship Games" in January 2023, 9th grade school students will learn more about job prospects in the games industry in Hamburg.

Pitch Level Up 2022: With expert feedback and lectures to the perfect games pitch

April 19, 2022

The promising concept for the next game is ready, perhaps even a first prototype.

Hamburg Games Conference 2022: 600 visitors from the international games industry – online and in Hamburg

March 14, 2022

600 conference visitors from 35 nations joined the 13th edition of the Hamburg Games Conference on March 2 and 3, 2022.

gamescom 2022: Gamecity Hamburg presents six indie games at the Indie Arena Booth

July 25, 2022

Hamburg, July 25, 2022: From August 24 to 28, the gamescom, Europe's largest trade fair for video games, will once again open its doors in Cologne.

Games Lift Teams 2022

July 7, 2022

With their convincing pitches, five teams from Hamburg have proven the promising potential of their game projects to the Games Lift awarding committee.

Prototype Funding 2022: 6 projects supported with 398,000 euros

May 17, 2022

In its funding round for 2022, the location initiative Gamecity Hamburg supports six promising games projects from Hamburg with a total sum of 398,000 euros through its Prototype Funding program.

Gamecity Hamburg Prototype Funding: Application phase of first funding round 2022

March 4, 2022

From March 4 to April 11, founders, start-ups, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can apply for the Prototype Funding program of Gamecity Hamburg.

Hamburg Games Conference 2022: digital experience and on-site B2B matchmaking

February 3, 2022

The Hamburg Games Conference’s hybrid event concept on March 2 and 3 features an on-site part in a new location and an extensive online program:

Hamburg Games Conference 2022: First Speakers announced

December 9, 2021

The hybrid conference’s program under the overarching topic "Moving Markets" on March 2 and 3, 2022 will revolve around the challenges and opportunities of the international games industry.

Games Lift Graduation 2021

December 3, 2021

At the final event of this year’s Games Lift Incubator program, five teams presented their game projects live at the start-up center Factory Hammerbrooklyn in Hamburg on December 2.

Hamburg Games Conference 2022 will focus on "Moving Markets"

October 19, 2021

The 13th Hamburg Games Conference on March 2nd and 3rd, 2022, invites international speakers, games industry experts, thought leaders, and trade visitors to exchange ideas at the hybrid event.

Games Lift Teams 2021

August 19, 2021

Five up-and-coming game developer teams from Hamburg convinced the awarding committee with their project ideas, pitching their way into the Games Lift Incubator 2021.

Games Lift Application 2021

June 21, 2021

The Hamburg-based incubator program "Games Lift" starts its application phase for 2021. Five game developer teams will be supported in creating concepts for digital games with high market potential.

Prototype Funding Teams 2021-First Round

June 9, 2021

The location initiative Gamecity Hamburg supports six promising games projects with a total of 252,000 euros.

Press Archive
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.