3 Years of Games Lift: Getting Better with Age

Gamecity Hamburg's January 2023 retrospective marks three years of the Games Lift Incubator, a program that combines financial support, feedback on game concepts, and start-up assistance for early-stage German game teams. The article argues that the incubator has matured by adapting to participants' needs, and that its alumni now show tangible progress. Project manager Margarete Schneider notes that comparable programs were missing in Germany in 2020 and that Games Lift set a precedent, with similar initiatives since emerging in other regions.

Alumni examples from the 2020, 2021, and 2022 cohorts illustrate the outcomes. Impawsible Games, behind "Ninja Brigade," found that participation raised the team's market value, drew direct publisher interest, and gave them confidence in negotiations; they now have a publisher and a Steam page and await a release date. Tool1 renamed their project from "The Invitation" to "Absolute Matter" on mentor advice, created a Steam page, and used combined federal and Gamecity funding to work full-time for a year and reach a marketable prototype. Symmetry Break Studio secured Gamecity Prototype Funding for "PROSPECTOR," as did Alchymia and Crumbling. "Leif's Adventure" is close to release, and the team behind "About Cannons and Sparrows" reports newfound belief that their game will be completed.

The program draws on a network of more than 50 experts, instructors, and mentors, among them business development consultant Paulina Kwiecińska, whose experience includes Tencent and Techland. She cites team growth as her motivation for returning. Over three years, the schedule has been adjusted, workshops revised or retired, and follow-up coaching and PR support added after the program ends. Alumni and team feedback drives these changes, and planning for the fourth cohort is underway.

Related news on the page indicates the program's continuation through 2026, with five teams receiving 15,000 euros each, a 1,000 euro coaching budget, workshops, mentoring, and an international industry event trip.