Road to gamescom 2023: Hamburg

The Road to gamescom 2023 program, initiated by Gamecity Hamburg, serves to support local game developers by providing them with a platform at the world’s largest video game event. The primary objective is to offer five Hamburg-based studios or independent developers free exhibition space at the Indie Arena Booth during gamescom 2023, which took place from August 23 to 27. By facilitating this presence, the program aims to increase the visibility of regional talent on an international stage.

Selected participants receive a comprehensive support package, including exhibitor passes, assistance with USK age-rating processes, inclusion in the Indie Arena Booth’s official lineup and sales events, and access to a preparatory workshop day. To be eligible, applicants must be commercially oriented, maintain a headquarters or branch office in Hamburg, possess a playable version of their project, and currently operate without a publisher. A jury is responsible for selecting the final participants based on criteria aligned with the Indie Arena Booth’s standards.

This initiative reflects a broader effort by Gamecity Hamburg to foster the regional games industry through targeted promotional opportunities and professional development. By leveraging the Indie Arena Booth—recognized as the largest shared developer booth globally—the program provides a critical bridge for indie studios to connect with publishers, press, and the broader gaming community. The application process requires developers to register through the Indie Arena Booth platform while specifically identifying their intent to participate in the Gamecity Hamburg program.