Gamecity Hamburg Funds 6 Digital Game Prototypes in 20th Anniversary Year

Gamecity Hamburg, in its 20th anniversary year, has announced the funding of six exciting game projects with a total amount of 410,000 euros through its Prototype Funding program. This initiative aims to support the development of digital game prototypes with significant market potential for companies and start-ups based in Hamburg. Among the funding recipients are three start-ups that have successfully graduated from Gamecity Hamburg’s Games Lift Incubator, showcasing the program’s effectiveness in nurturing promising talent.

The awardees were selected by an esteemed committee that was highly impressed by the exceptional quality of the submitted projects. As a result, the entire funding budget for the 2023 Prototype Funding round has been fully utilized. With this fifth funding round since 2020, the Prototype Funding program has supported the development of a total of 27 prototypes, with a generous sum of 1,536,000 euros.

Dennis Schoubye, Head of Gamecity Hamburg, expressed his satisfaction with the applications received, highlighting the positive impact of the funding programs and professionalization offerings. He emphasized that three of the funded projects in this round have successfully completed the Games Lift incubator program. This diverse range of funding recipients, including both newly founded companies and experienced studios, further showcases the versatility and potential of Hamburg as a thriving hub for the gaming industry.

Let’s take a closer look at the funded projects for 2023:

METACORE by Amberdive Interactive – €80,000
Amberdive Interactive has further refined its co-op shooter, METACORE, during the Games Lift Incubator 2022. The game allows players to form teams of up to four, fighting their way through ruins on an alien planet while defending against machine guards. A standout game mechanic is the multi-purpose cores, small high-tech spheres that players can transform into, unlocking numerous possibilities for collaborative gameplay.

Project Renaissance by Tiny Roar – €80,000
Indie studio Tiny Roar, known for their previous titles like Wanderlust, XEL, and Bomb Bots Arena, presents Project Renaissance, a captivating point-and-click adventure game. Players assume the role of Joy, who embarks on a path of self-discovery after a baby unexpectedly enters her life. Tiny Roar aims to captivate both adventure game enthusiasts and those who may have previously overlooked the genre.

Reddie – ReRun of Reality by Curvature Games – €80,000
Curvature Games introduces Reddie – ReRun of Reality, an innovative mixed-reality adventure where players conduct experiments and immerse themselves in various dimensions and realities to find solutions. This unique gameplay experience allows players to interact with the actual environment, blending virtual and physical elements seamlessly.

Light of Atlantis by DrownTown – €70,000
DrownTown presents Light of Atlantis, a 2D puzzle Metroidvania game with jump ‘n’ run elements. Players control the element “water” instead of a character, navigating through the underwater world of Atlantis to solve puzzles and progress through levels. The game’s charming hand-drawn artwork adds to its immersive experience.

Stack ‘Em Up by Godcomplex Games – €70,000
Godcomplex Games invites players to participate in the crazy multiplayer party game, Stack ‘Em Up. Up to four players compete by sucking up adorable “slime packets” like their fellow players, resulting in stacks that require involuntary teamwork. The concept was refined during the Games Lift Incubator 2022 to ensure an enjoyable and engaging gameplay experience.

How to Find Friends by Beardshaker Games – €30,000
Beardshaker Games presents How to Find Friends, a cozy hidden object game that immerses players in the enchanting world of finding extraordinary creatures within intricate patterns. With the guidance of the protagonist’s Witch & Owl, players embark on a journey to locate these wondrous creatures while unraveling their captivating background stories.

The application phase for Gamecity Hamburg’s next funding round is set to begin in spring 2024, following the successful allocation of funds in the 2023 Prototype Funding. The overwhelming response from developers, startups, and companies in Hamburg showcases the thriving gaming ecosystem in the region.

In addition to the Prototype Funding program, Gamecity Hamburg offers further opportunities for support and growth in the gaming industry. One of these initiatives is the Games Lift Incubator program, which is open to all developers, teams, and start-ups from Hamburg, regardless of their game project’s status. Each year, five teams are selected to receive 15,000 euros in funding, along with comprehensive coaching, mentoring, and workshop programs conducted by experienced international experts from the gaming industry. Furthermore, the selected teams benefit from one year of individual mentoring to refine and develop their game ideas.

The application period for the Games Lift Incubator is currently open, allowing teams and developers to submit their projects until June 20. Gamecity Hamburg continues to foster the growth and innovation of the gaming industry in Hamburg, providing invaluable resources and support to the talented individuals and companies shaping the future of interactive entertainment.

With the successful funding of six exciting prototypes and the ongoing commitment to nurturing talent through programs like the Games Lift Incubator, Gamecity Hamburg remains at the forefront of fostering creativity and innovation in the gaming industry. As the 20th anniversary celebrations continue, the city’s gaming ecosystem shows no signs of slowing down, further solidifying Hamburg’s position as a prominent hub for digital game development.

Written by
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