Gamecity Hamburg's Second Round of Prototype Funding: A Boost for Developers
Gamecity Hamburg has announced a second round of funding for game prototypes, offering up to €80,000 in non-repayable grants to small and medium-sized studios, founders, and startups. This initiative aims to support game projects with compelling market potential, providing a crucial financial boost to developers in the early stages of their projects.
The funding period runs from September 4 to 24, 2026, with a total of €180,000 available. The awarding committee, led by Dennis Schoubye (Head of Gamecity Hamburg), includes industry experts Nora Klutzny (producer at Off the Beaten Track) and Paul Taaks (Overhype Studios co-founder and creative director), as well as Nina Müller (VP of Publishing & Development Services, Goodgame Studios) and Valentina Birke (Director of Indie Arena Booth/Super Crowd Entertainment).
This committee brings a wealth of experience and market insight to the selection process, ensuring that the funded projects have a strong chance of success. The first round of funding, announced in May, awarded grants to five games, including Manor Cartographer by Pipapo Games and Odem by Odd Zeroes, each receiving €80,000, Welken by Studio Gutheil (€60,000), Ungradable: Twisted Card Grading by Chasmic Drop Studio (€48,000), and Wrong Horse by Bird Outside Studio (€40,000).
The inclusion of these games in the Lift Incubator program by Gamecity Hamburg indicates a strong potential for future success. The second round of funding is an opportunity for other developers to secure the necessary support to bring their game ideas to life, fostering innovation and creativity in the gaming industry.
In my opinion, this funding initiative is a significant step forward for the gaming industry in Hamburg. By providing financial support to developers, Gamecity Hamburg is not only helping to create new games but also contributing to the growth and development of the local gaming community. The involvement of industry experts on the awarding committee ensures that the selection process is fair and effective, maximizing the impact of the funding.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for these funded projects to become the next big hits in the gaming world. The committee's expertise and the non-repayable nature of the grants provide a strong foundation for the selected developers to build upon. I am excited to see the outcomes of this funding round and the impact it will have on the gaming industry in Hamburg and beyond.
