Road to gamescom 2025: Hamburg

The Road to gamescom 2025 initiative serves as a strategic support program designed to bolster the international visibility of Hamburg-based game developers. By providing five selected studios or independent developers with free exhibition space at the Indie Arena Booth during gamescom 2025, the program aims to facilitate professional networking and market access at the world’s largest video game event. The initiative is managed by Gamecity Hamburg, a regional organization dedicated to fostering the local games industry.

The program offers a comprehensive package of benefits to successful applicants, including dedicated booth space, exhibitor passes, USK clearing, and inclusion in the Indie Arena Booth’s official lineup and promotional activities. Participants also gain access to a specialized workshop day held prior to the event, designed to prepare them for the demands of the international trade show environment. This support is intended to help developers connect with publishers, press, and industry peers.

Eligibility is restricted to commercially oriented game companies or developers with a headquarters or branch office located in Hamburg. Applicants must possess a playable version of their game to be considered. A jury evaluates submissions based on criteria aligned with the Indie Arena Booth’s standards. Interested parties are required to register through the Indie Arena Booth’s official portal, ensuring they include specific identifiers to be considered for the Gamecity Hamburg program. The application window for this opportunity closes on April 16, 2025, with the main event scheduled for August 20–24, 2025.