Games Lift: Playtests & Pizza

Gamecity Hamburg's Games Lift Incubator reconvened its 2023 teams, mentors, and alumni in mid-February 2024 at the SPACE innovation hub in Hamburg's Speicherstadt, months after the intensive three-month workshop phase ended. The event combined a playtesting session, one-on-one mentoring meetings, and informal networking. Its purpose was to show that the incubator has grown from a single program into a year-round offering with a lasting community, and that Gamecity Hamburg prioritizes a sustainable network built on shared knowledge and mutual learning. Strong alumni turnout reinforced that aim.

Progress on the projects was visible after the workshops ended. Bagpack Games had already folded recent feedback into its build of "We the Valarii," while Nenad Slavujevic revised the art style and gameplay of "Chaos Royale" to suit multiple platforms. Marcus Koepke's "Journey Beyond the Edge of the World" earned particular recognition when IGN picked up its trailer, which blends eerie electronic music with high-seas romanticism.

Mentors described a notable shift in team maturity. Daniel Marx of Osmotic Studios observed that teams now understand far more clearly what they want to achieve and how. Steffen Rühl, who leads pitch training and has worked in games for 25 years, noted that business administration, marketing, and studio management initially intimidate teams but become manageable with guidance. Björn Bergstein argued that funding programs should be agile and iterative, and advised teams facing a difficult industry climate to allow more time for acquisition and build a "bread and butter" business through freelance or commissioned work.

Several teams are next targeting demos at the Hamburg Games Conference on March 5 to 6, 2024. Related news links indicate the program continues, with a 2026 call offering five teams 15,000 euros each, a workshop program, mentoring, and a 1,000 euro coaching budget.