Games Lift: Bagpack Games keep moving

Bagpack Games, a Hamburg-based studio, is currently utilizing the Games Lift Incubator to refine their latest cooperative adventure project, We the Valarii. The studio’s primary objective is to develop a beginner-friendly, immersive experience centered on a unique core mechanic: rotating a thumbstick or mouse to facilitate movement and environmental interaction. This project represents an evolution of the team's creative process, shifting from a focus on speed to a more collaborative, puzzle-oriented gameplay loop within a mysterious, stylized world.

The studio, founded by Thomas Hedden and Markus Albert, has established a strong reputation within the Hamburg games industry. Their previous work, Out of Place, earned significant industry recognition, including an Epic Mega Grant and a German Developer Award. Beyond game development, the founders have leveraged their academic background at HAW Hamburg to build expertise in motion capture technology. They have since established their own professional motion capture studio, providing specialized animation services to other indie developers and cultural projects in the region.

The current development phase for We the Valarii focuses on finalizing a playable prototype by the conclusion of the Games Lift Incubator’s main program. While the visual design and specific gameplay mechanics remain in flux, the team continues to integrate their proprietary motion capture workflows to enhance character animation. By maintaining a network of freelance collaborators and focusing on iterative design, Bagpack Games aims to balance technical complexity with accessible, engaging mechanics, further cementing their position as a key contributor to the local Hamburg game development ecosystem.