The games industry in Hamburg has launched a digital internship program designed to introduce local school students to professional career paths within the sector. By providing hands-on experience and direct access to industry experts, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic education and the practical requirements of the gaming workforce. This effort addresses the industry's ongoing need for qualified talent while offering students a structured look at the diverse roles available in game development.
The program, which took place from May 31 to June 4, 2021, featured collaboration between prominent Hamburg-based companies including InnoGames, Tivola Games, and Deep Silver FISHLABS, alongside the industry association game Hamburg, the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, and Gamecity Hamburg. Participants engaged in a five-day curriculum covering essential disciplines such as game design, character design, community management, and audio production. Under the guidance of media educators from the Creative Gaming initiative, students completed practical tasks, including programming mini-games and developing game mechanics, culminating in a final presentation of their work.
Beyond this specific internship, the initiative serves as part of a broader regional strategy to foster interest in the games industry. Gamecity Hamburg has introduced a complementary program titled Gamecity@School, which facilitates information sessions where industry professionals share career insights directly with students in their classrooms. These combined efforts reflect a commitment to cultivating a pipeline of future professionals in a growing regional market, ensuring that students across various school types have the opportunity to explore the technical and creative demands of the gaming industry.