Hamburg Prototype Funding 2020

The 2020 prototype funding initiative in Hamburg serves to bolster the local games industry by providing financial support to early-stage development projects. Managed by Gamecity Hamburg, the program aims to strengthen the region’s position as a prominent European hub for game development and marketing while fostering innovation among start-up studios. The initiative is part of a broader, multi-year strategy to ensure the sustainable growth of the local media and games network.

During the inaugural 2020 funding cycle, 35 projects were submitted for consideration. Following a rigorous selection process that included over 40 consultation meetings and a series of online pitches, an awarding committee selected seven projects to receive a total of 430,000 euros. This total includes a one-time 30,000-euro budget increase provided by the Ministry of Culture and Media Hamburg. The selected projects—Wild Woods, Out of Place, Lost Sector, Project MORPH, Soulitaire, Stadtkinder, and Lazor Punx—received individual grants ranging from approximately 31,000 to 80,000 euros.

The evaluation process prioritized criteria such as team composition, project feasibility, potential for regional impact, and overall market viability. This funding round represents the beginning of a sustained commitment, with 400,000 euros allocated annually for prototype development through 2023. Beyond direct financial assistance, the initiative is complemented by the Gamecity Incubator, which provides additional support through mentoring, coaching, and co-working facilities to further assist developers in navigating the industry.