More than Two Million Euros for Hamburg's Games Industry

The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg has established a dedicated funding initiative to bolster its local games industry, committing 520,000 euros annually between 2020 and 2023. Managed by gamecity:Hamburg, a division of the Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft, this program aims to solidify the city’s position as a premier hub for game development and marketing by providing both financial resources and professional infrastructure.

The funding is divided into two primary streams: prototype development and an industry-specific incubator. A total of 400,000 euros is allocated annually for non-repayable grants of up to 80,000 euros per project, covering up to 75 percent of eligible costs for developers and studios based in Hamburg. Additionally, 120,000 euros per year is dedicated to an incubator program that supports up to five teams over three months. This incubator provides participants with 15,000 euros in financial assistance, alongside essential resources such as mentoring, workshops, and dedicated workspaces.

This initiative reflects a strategic effort to treat computer games as both a significant economic driver and a cultural asset. By integrating financial support with network-building activities and professional services, the program seeks to foster innovation among both startups and established companies. The initiative is designed to be inclusive of various game genres and target audiences, regardless of age ratings, thereby encouraging a diverse and sustainable creative ecosystem within the region.