Application start for Hamburg's new Games Funding initiative

6. April 2020

Application start for Hamburg's new Games Funding initiative

Developers, studios and small and medium-sized enterprises can now apply for the Hamburg Prototype Funding and receive up to 80,000 euros per project as a non-repayable grant.

The application phase for the Hamburg Prototype Funding has started and will be running until May 25, 2020.

400,000 euros per year are initially available for this purpose until 2023. In the second half of the year, gamecity:Hamburg will also launch its first incubator program to support game makers financially, but above all with mentoring, workshops and coaching in the development of computer games. Selected workshops within the framework of the incubator will also be optionally available to recipients of Prototype Funding.

Prototype Funding

The funding will be available for marketable prototypes of digital games regardless of the expected age rating by the USK - the German Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Organisation. We believe that games are both an economic factor and cultural asset, which can also be designed for an adult target group.

The funding applied for is provided as a non-repayable grant on a de minimis basis within the framework of EU rules. Up to 80% but a maximum of 80,000 euros of the estimated development costs per individual project is eligible for funding. This enables young teams in particular to concentrate on their project and start development with a reliable financing base. A meaningful project description, a comprehensible exploitation strategy and solid cost and financing plans are required.

Click here for further information and detailed FAQ - prototype funding

Application Process

Eligible to apply are developers and developer associations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are based in Hamburg or can prove that they will relocate their headquarters to Hamburg or open a branch/business premises in Hamburg upon receipt of funding.

A counselling meeting is obligatory before the application is submitted and is recommended at least two weeks before the submission deadline, May 25, in order to clarify any questions that may arise in good time and to be able to optimally prepare interested parties for the application. Appointments with the gamecity:Hamburg contact persons can be arranged by email to funding@gamecity-hamburg.de.

All information on prototype funding, information sheets, the guidelines, the funding application, FAQs and the link to the online application can be found at https://www.gamecity-hamburg.de/funding.

Apply here: Application Form

Join our Discord Server for an exchange of information about the new prototype funding and about general games industry related news and topics: Discord Server

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