Games Lift: What We Do in Our Workshops

The Games Lift Incubator, an initiative based in Hamburg, Germany, provides a structured support system for local game development teams to navigate the complexities of international markets. The program’s primary objective is to equip developers with the professional skills necessary for successful game marketing, pitching, and project positioning. By facilitating workshops led by established industry experts, the incubator aims to bridge the gap between creative development and commercial viability.

The program’s methodology centers on intensive, personalized mentoring and interactive workshops. During the 2021 cycle, the incubator engaged five selected teams in a three-month program, supported by 15,000 euros in start-up funding per group. Key sessions focused on game discoverability and pitch refinement. Experts such as Simon Carless emphasized the critical nature of market visibility, noting that with over 250 games released weekly on Steam, developers must clearly define their project’s unique hook and leverage data-driven insights to improve discoverability.

Complementing these technical insights, pitch training led by industry veteran Steffen Rühl focused on the psychological and strategic aspects of presenting to publishers and investors. The training highlighted the importance of tailoring pitches to the specific motivations of stakeholders, who may range from risk-averse corporate representatives to venture-focused investors. By encouraging teams to maintain authenticity while adapting their communication to different audiences, the program fosters a professional environment where developers can refine their business strategies. This approach underscores the incubator's commitment to providing actionable, expert-led guidance that addresses the evolving challenges of the global games industry.