Games Lift: We’ll Keep in Touch

The Games Lift Incubator, an initiative by Gamecity Hamburg, concluded its 2023 workshop phase with a graduation pitch event held on December 5 at the Design Zentrum Hamburg. The primary purpose of the event was to showcase the progress of five participating game development teams, highlighting their ability to articulate project cores and demonstrate tangible development milestones following an intensive period of mentorship and workshops.

The five featured projects represent a diverse range of genres and development stages. Bagpack Games presented the cooperative action-adventure "We the Valarii," while "Journey Beyond the Edge of the World" by Marcus Koepke showcased a narrative-driven experience set on a North Sea trawler. Pipapo Games introduced "Map Map – A Game about Maps," focusing on exploration mechanics, and Nenad Slavujevic presented "Chaos Royale," a mobile-focused bullet heaven title. Finally, the team behind "Dottobeau" highlighted a music-centric adventure emphasizing empathy and life transitions.

The event underscored the effectiveness of the incubator’s curriculum, which prioritizes clear project communication and strategic planning. By providing a platform for these teams to present their visions, the program facilitates industry visibility and networking. The graduation event also served as a community-building exercise, bringing together current participants and alumni, including teams like Symmetry Break Studio, whose recent industry recognition serves as a testament to the long-term impact of the incubator’s support structure. The 2023 cohort demonstrated significant growth in both technical execution and market positioning, confirming the continued success of the Hamburg-based program in fostering local game development talent.