The Hamburg Games Conference 2022, scheduled for March 2 and 3, 2022, serves as a professional forum focused on the theme "Moving Markets." The event aims to address the evolving challenges and opportunities within the international games industry by facilitating dialogue between experts from academia, the private sector, and public funding institutions. The conference is designed as a hybrid experience, allowing participants to attend either on-site at the Zeise cinemas in Hamburg or virtually through a custom-developed, playable browser platform.
The program features a diverse lineup of industry leaders, including representatives from New York University, tinyBuild Games, Twisted Ramble, 11 bit studios, IllFonic, and Kreativ Transfer. A dedicated conference track focuses on games funding, providing insights into German federal government initiatives and regional support programs, such as the Games Lift Incubator and prototype funding in Hamburg. The virtual component of the event utilizes an interactive, cruise-ship-themed interface that allows attendees to explore international games markets and engage in networking and matchmaking.
By integrating both physical and digital participation, the conference seeks to bridge local development ecosystems with global industry trends. The initiative highlights the importance of public-private cooperation in fostering growth, offering a platform for developers to gain knowledge on funding best practices while connecting with international peers. Early bird registration was made available to incentivize attendance ahead of the event, reinforcing the conference's role as a key hub for industry networking and professional development within the European games sector.