Prototype Funding 2025: Germany

Gamecity Hamburg has opened applications for its 2025 prototype funding program, which aims to support the development of digital games within the Hamburg region. The initiative provides a total of 400,000 euros in non-repayable grants, with individual projects eligible for up to 80,000 euros. This funding covers a maximum of 80 percent of a project's eligible costs, serving as a financial catalyst for local developers, teams, and small to medium-sized enterprises.

To be eligible, applicants must be based in Hamburg or commit to relocating their headquarters or establishing a branch office in the city. The application process requires a mandatory consultation with Gamecity Hamburg at least two weeks prior to the April 7, 2025, deadline. Following the submission period, an expert committee from the games industry will evaluate the proposals to determine the recipients.

A key component of the evaluation process is a mandatory diversity checklist, introduced in 2024. Projects that demonstrate a commitment to enriching the diversity of the local games industry may receive a scoring bonus, while those that do not meet these specific criteria face no disadvantage. This structured approach ensures that the funding supports both technical innovation and broader industry inclusivity goals within the German games sector.