Games Lift 2021: New and Improved

Key insights

6 takeaways

01
The Games Lift Incubator provides a 15-month support structure consisting of a three-month intensive workshop phase followed by twelve months of individual work.
02
The 2021 program iteration introduced formal individual follow-up coaching and a dedicated time budget for specialized indie game PR services.
03
The incubator prioritizes long-term sustainability over short-term scaling by offering ongoing post-graduation support and alumni networking via digital platforms like Discord.
04
The program utilizes a hybrid operational model, which organizers found increases access to international speakers and improves time management for participants.
05
Gamecity Hamburg manages the incubator to foster a resilient local developer ecosystem by combining financial backing with mentorship and industry connections.
06
The initiative evolved from its 2020 inaugural year to move away from standardized business workshops in favor of tailored guidance for specific team needs.

Summary

Gamecity Hamburg's September 2021 incubator log explains how the second edition of its Games Lift Incubator was refined after a successful 2020 debut. The central thesis is that the program keeps its core structure while adjusting workshops, speakers and support services based on evaluation feedback, with an emphasis on sustainable, long-term growth rather than rapid startup scaling. Project lead Dennis Schoubye and project manager Margarete Schneider supply the main perspectives.

The first cohort of five teams is described as collaborative and engaged, and its alumni remain tied to Gamecity. Ole Jürgensen's VR project Crumbling won prototype funding, which the organizers cite as evidence of what teams learn from mentors. The Incubator is framed as a safe space where teams can raise fundamental questions about their project's direction and absorb constructive feedback before showcasing their game.

Changes for 2021 are modest. Workshops are adapted to the new teams' different mix of needs, and teams asked for more talks with smaller indie developers who have recovered from setbacks, alongside well-known industry names. Two additions introduced mid-program last year now run from the start: individual follow-up coaching for twelve months after the graduation pitch, and a time budget with a PR agency specializing in indie games. Schneider now describes the program as three months of high-intensity work followed by twelve months of individual work. Early evaluations showed teams valuing financial funding most, though other services' ratings rose during the program.

Networking is treated as a priority, with an active Discord community and a goal of turning alumni into future mentors. COVID forced much of the program online; the remote format saves time and will continue for international speakers, though in-person meetings are desired. Project manager Daniel Hericks joins the team for this round. The page's sidebar also shows later news, including the 2026 call for applications offering five teams 15,000 euros, 1,000 euros in coaching budget, mentoring and an international industry event trip.