Games Lift: Supernatural Games and Their Little Green Friends

The Games Lift incubator program, managed by Gamecity Hamburg, serves as a developmental platform for independent game studios, providing mentorship, financial support, and industry networking. A primary focus of the initiative is to assist experienced professionals in transitioning from established careers to independent game development. By offering structured guidance, the program aims to help teams refine their creative visions, develop sustainable business models, and prepare for market entry through crowdfunding and community building.

A notable case study within this framework is Supernatural Games, a studio founded by brothers Gerrit and Patrick Henschel. Leveraging their combined expertise in art direction, advertising, and game development, the duo has utilized the incubator to advance their project, The Treepoids. This title is a hand-painted, puzzle-oriented adventure game that emphasizes non-violent problem-solving and environmental themes. The project distinguishes itself through a unique gameplay loop that combines traditional adventure mechanics with strategic, character-driven challenges.

The incubator’s methodology centers on iterative feedback and professional development. Supernatural Games’ experience highlights the program's role in helping developers evolve from conceptual hobbyists into commercially viable entities. By addressing gaps in presentation and business strategy, the incubator enables teams to translate creative concepts into actionable assets. The program’s ongoing support structure, which includes workshops and international industry exposure, is designed to foster long-term growth for independent developers within the Hamburg gaming ecosystem. Through these initiatives, the program successfully bridges the gap between artistic ambition and the practical requirements of the modern games industry.