Games Lift 2025: The New Five Teams

The Games Lift Incubator, an initiative by Gamecity Hamburg, has selected five new teams for its 2025 cohort. This program aims to foster regional game development talent by providing a comprehensive one-year support structure, including professional mentoring, access to a network of over 30 international industry experts, and 15,000 euros in financial backing per team. Participants also receive the opportunity to attend an international industry event to gain exposure to global markets.

The selection process for the 2025 cycle saw a significant increase in interest, with 43 applications submitted from teams and solo developers, more than doubling the volume of previous years. The chosen projects represent a diverse range of genres and mechanics, including the murder mystery adventure The Wrong Horse, the anomaly-themed job simulator Encaged and Ungraded, the action RPG Fading Skies, the turn-based roguelite Phasmopass, and the tavern-management action-adventure Project: Slimepot.

The program, which officially commences on September 8, 2025, serves as a key pillar in Hamburg’s strategy to support the local games industry. By combining financial grants with long-term professional development and networking opportunities, the incubator seeks to bridge the gap between early-stage development and market readiness. The initiative continues to operate as a recurring annual cycle, with ongoing efforts to maintain a pipeline of emerging developers through dedicated mailing lists and future application windows.