Prototype Funding 2022: Hamburg

The 2022 Prototype Funding program, managed by Gamecity Hamburg, serves to bolster the local games industry by providing financial support for the development of digital game prototypes. The primary objective is to assist Hamburg-based developers, studios, and start-ups in creating high-potential projects capable of competing in the international market. By awarding these grants, the program aims to foster innovation and professional growth within the regional gaming ecosystem.

In the 2022 funding cycle, a total of 398,000 euros was distributed among six selected projects. The recipients included Tiny Roar and Super Crowd Entertainment, which each received 80,000 euros, followed by Bestjack Entertainment, Pseudoscience Interactive, and Symmetry Break Studio, which were awarded 70,000 euros each. Additionally, Denise Koch received 28,000 euros for a VR project. These selections were made from a pool of 18 applicants, with the awarding committee opting to utilize the entire available budget due to the high quality and potential of the submissions.

The program demonstrates a clear commitment to long-term industry development, as evidenced by the fact that half of the 2022 recipients previously participated in the Games Lift Incubator. Since the program’s current iteration began in 2020, it has supported 22 prototypes with a cumulative investment of 1,240,000 euros. This initiative, alongside other regional support structures like the Games Lift Incubator and various networking events, highlights a strategic effort to cultivate talent and maintain a robust, interconnected games industry within Hamburg.