Games Lift: Why We Went to Nordic

The Games Lift Incubator, an initiative by Gamecity Hamburg, utilizes international industry conventions like the Nordic Game conference in Malmö, Sweden, as a strategic cornerstone for developer growth. The primary objective of these excursions is to provide emerging game studios with essential networking opportunities, direct access to international publishers, and exposure to the vibrant Scandinavian gaming ecosystem. By facilitating these trips, the program aims to bridge the gap between local development and the global market, ensuring that incubator participants gain practical experience in high-stakes professional environments.

The program emphasizes rigorous preparation as a prerequisite for conference success. Participants undergo extensive training through workshops led by industry experts and mentors, focusing on refining pitch presentations, managing technical challenges, and developing effective meeting strategies. These sessions cover the nuances of business development, including the importance of thorough documentation, goal setting, and maintaining professional composure under pressure. This structured approach ensures that developers are equipped to maximize their time during short, high-impact meetings with potential partners.

The scope of this initiative encompasses the 2024 Games Lift cohort, including teams such as Honeybeak, Triflgard, and Duck’n’Run Games, who showcased projects like "ForeFeathers," "Pubcrawler," and "Light of Atlantis." Beyond the immediate networking benefits, the program views conference attendance as a vital component of an ongoing learning process. By integrating these experiences into the broader incubator curriculum, Gamecity Hamburg fosters a supportive community where alumni and current teams can share insights, refine their professional conduct, and build the visibility necessary for long-term success in the competitive games industry.