Games Lift Insights: Crowdfunding for Game Developers

Key insights

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Who runs it

Gamecity Hamburg operates the Games Lift Incubator for early-stage teams.

The incubator provides a structured environment to refine concepts and transition into professional production. It selects up to five teams annually for a three-month intensive cycle.

up to five teams annually

Teams selected for the three-month intensive cycle

Crowdfunding focus

Expert-led workshops address the technical requirements of crowdfunding campaigns.

Industry veterans provide guidance on campaign management, including advantages, technical requirements, and common pitfalls. Crowdfunding is highlighted as a primary area of focus.

Workshops. A core educational pillar of the incubator is expert-led training on alternative financing, specifically focusing on the technical requirements and management of crowdfunding campaigns.

Market readiness

The program aims to bridge the gap between conceptual design and market readiness.

It targets independent developers seeking to professionalize their operations and improve their chances of commercial success. The curriculum is informed by extensive experience in shipping multiple titles.

Objective. The initiative aims to professionalize independent operations and foster innovation within the regional game development ecosystem.

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Summary

Gamecity Hamburg announced an online workshop series, "Games Lift Insights," designed to promote its Games Lift Incubator program and prepare prospective applicants. The first session, scheduled for June 3 (announced May 20, 2021), pairs an overview of the incubator with a practical introduction to crowdfunding for game developers.

The Games Lift Incubator launched in 2020 and supports developer teams in creating and refining concepts for digital games. Up to five teams are selected each year. Over an intensive three-month program, participants receive financing of up to €15,000, a workshop and mentoring program led by experienced industry professionals, and desks in a co-working facility. The application phase for the 2021 round was set to open shortly after the announcement.

The session opens with Project Manager Maggie Schneider outlining what the incubator offers and how applications work. Jan Theysen, Co-Founder and Creative Director of KING Art Games and a mentor in the previous year's program, then presents on crowdfunding. Drawing on experience shipping more than 50 games, collecting numerous awards, and running several successful crowdfunding campaigns, he covers the advantages, requirements, and pitfalls of a Kickstarter campaign.

The workshop is aimed primarily at developers intending to apply to the incubator, and their registrations receive priority. Remaining tickets are open to anyone interested in the topic, and registration runs through Eventbrite. Time is reserved after the presentations for individual participant questions, making the event both a recruitment channel for the program and a practical funding education resource for regional game developers.