Gamecity Hamburg

Gamecity Hamburg launched the Gamecity Impulse event series to foster critical discourse regarding equality, diversity, and inclusion within the video game industry. The initiative aims to address the disconnect between the global, diverse gaming population—estimated at 2.2 billion people—and the often less representative composition of development teams and industry communities. By hosting expert-led talks and panel discussions, the series seeks to raise awareness, provide industry insights, and encourage organizations to adopt more inclusive practices.

The program emphasizes that diversity is both a social responsibility and a strategic business imperative. Beyond ethical considerations, the initiative highlights that diverse perspectives drive innovation and productivity in creative production. Furthermore, in a competitive labor market characterized by a shortage of skilled professionals, the series posits that establishing a discrimination-free work environment is essential for companies to successfully compete for talent.

The series serves as a platform for ongoing industry efforts, such as the German "Hier spielt Vielfalt" declaration, by facilitating a space for reflection on how games influence society and how developers can navigate their social impact. While the inaugural session featured perspectives on the potential for games to effect positive global change, the broader scope of the series is to provide a sustained forum for these topics throughout the year. By engaging individual companies, associations, and practitioners, Gamecity Hamburg intends to promote a more equitable and representative future for the games sector.

InnoGames, a Hamburg-based developer and publisher of mobile and online games, formally joined the Time for Climate Action campaign in April 2021. Organized by the nonprofit Leaders for Climate Action, the initiative sought to engage over 200 tech companies to reach a target audience of 50 million people and inspire 1 million measurable climate-positive actions. The campaign, which ran from April 19 to April 25, 2021, coincided with Earth Day and included prominent participants such as Spotify, Ecosia, and Universal Music.

The primary objective of the campaign was to empower individuals to make concrete, accessible changes to their daily habits, such as transitioning to renewable energy sources or supporting reforestation efforts through online browsing. InnoGames supported these goals by leveraging its social media channels to promote climate-conscious content and launching a dedicated sustainability section on its corporate website to increase transparency regarding its environmental impact.

InnoGames maintains a focus on internal sustainability, operating as a certified carbon-neutral entity. The company reported a significant reduction in its environmental footprint, achieving a nearly 40% decrease in emissions compared to the previous year. By participating in this broader industry coalition, the company aimed to combine its internal reduction efforts with external advocacy, encouraging both its workforce and its global player base to adopt more sustainable practices.

The Gamecity Online Hub serves as a digital, interactive platform designed to showcase the games industry ecosystem within Hamburg, Germany. By utilizing a browser-based game format, the initiative provides a virtual space where users navigate as avatars through iconic local settings such as the Harbor, St. Pauli, the Stadtpark, and the Speicherstadt. The primary objective is to foster networking and visibility for local developers, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders in an immersive, accessible environment.

The platform features over 30 participating game companies and educational institutions, offering visitors access to game presentations, company information, and opportunities for direct communication via integrated chat and video call functions. Within the virtual headquarters, users can explore specific regional support programs, including the Games Lift incubator and prototype funding initiatives, which highlight the developmental success of local teams. The project emphasizes a dynamic user experience, with plans for ongoing updates and the integration of additional interactive features throughout the year.

Developed in collaboration with Super Crowd Entertainment and supported by various industry partners, the hub functions as a permanent digital extension of Hamburg’s physical games sector. By removing the need for registration, the platform lowers barriers to entry for potential collaborators, students, and industry professionals. This digital initiative reflects a broader commitment to strengthening the regional games industry through innovative, technology-driven engagement strategies that bridge the gap between virtual exploration and professional networking.

Gamecity Hamburg facilitated professional development and networking for the local games industry by offering free conference passes to the May 2021 Nordic Game Conference. This initiative aimed to support Hamburg-based game studios, developers, publishers, and students by providing access to one of Europe’s leading digital industry events. The program sought to foster international connections and business growth for the regional sector.

The initiative provided two distinct tiers of support. The Premium Pass was designed for industry professionals, offering full access to conference talks, networking tools, and the digital Publisher Market, which allowed developers to pitch projects to investors. The Studio Pass was tailored for students and smaller teams, granting full access to conference content and community networking via the event’s Discord server. Additionally, a select group of participants received the opportunity to feature their game trailers in a promotional showreel displayed during the conference stream.

Eligibility for the program was restricted to entities and individuals with headquarters or branch offices in Hamburg. A jury-led selection process determined the final delegation, ensuring that participants were prepared to engage with the international audience. By providing these resources, the initiative aimed to strengthen the visibility of Hamburg’s game development ecosystem on a broader European stage.

Mooneye Studios, a Hamburg-based developer recognized for the exploration adventure game Lost Ember, has expanded its operations by launching a dedicated publishing label, Mooneye Indies. This strategic move formalizes the studio’s transition into the publishing sector, a path initiated by the frequent requests for development and marketing guidance they received from fellow indie developers and student groups following their own successful Kickstarter campaign.

The new label focuses specifically on narrative-driven and wholesome indie titles. By targeting this niche, the studio aims to leverage its existing community and reputation to provide support for smaller, emotionally resonant games that might otherwise lack visibility in a crowded market. The label’s inaugural project, Haven Park, was scheduled for release in August 2021.

In terms of operational philosophy, the studio emphasizes the importance of community engagement throughout the development process, citing the value of transparency through development blogs and update videos. When evaluating potential partners, the label prioritizes developers who demonstrate a clear, coherent vision for their projects and a deep understanding of their target audience. This expansion reflects a broader trend of successful independent studios reinvesting their expertise back into the ecosystem to foster the growth of smaller, high-quality projects.

The Road to gamescom 2021 initiative, organized by Gamecity Hamburg, serves to support local indie game developers by providing subsidized access to the Indie Arena Booth Online at the 2021 gamescom convention. The program’s primary objective is to facilitate international exposure for Hamburg-based studios during the digital-only event, enabling them to connect with publishers, journalists, and potential business partners.

The initiative offers selected applicants a free Small Booth package within the dedicated Gamecity Hamburg area of the Indie Arena Booth. Key benefits for participants include a Devcom ticket, inclusion in the Indie Arena Booth’s promotional activities—such as trailer showcases, streaming events, and social media coverage—and a listing in the official gamescom lineup. Additionally, participants gain access to a preparatory workshop day designed to optimize their presence at the digital trade show.

To qualify for these packages, applicants must be commercially oriented entities within the games industry with a headquarters or branch office located in Hamburg. Furthermore, studios are required to provide a playable version of their game for the event. The selection process is managed by a jury, and interested parties are required to register through the Indie Arena Booth platform while explicitly noting their intent to participate in the Gamecity Hamburg program. This effort underscores a broader regional commitment to fostering the growth and visibility of the Hamburg games ecosystem on a global stage.

Gamecity Forecast functions as a strategic worksession series designed to address emerging trends and long-term challenges within the games industry. By facilitating a collaborative environment, the initiative connects industry experts with key stakeholders from the Hamburg games sector and other professional fields. The primary objective is to move beyond daily operational concerns to explore future-oriented topics, fostering knowledge exchange and networking opportunities that help participants navigate an evolving professional landscape.

The inaugural session focused on the shifting nature of work environments, specifically addressing the question of whether physical office space remains essential in a post-remote-work era. The methodology centers on a compact, two-hour workshop format that combines expert-led keynotes with interactive group discussions. This approach encourages participants to share diverse perspectives on remote work challenges, flexible workspace concepts, and the future of team collaboration. To ensure a broad range of insights, the sessions are intentionally cross-industry, with half of the available seats reserved specifically for Hamburg-based games companies.

By providing a platform for structured dialogue, the series aims to help studios and developers refine their operational strategies and workplace policies. The initiative reflects a broader commitment to supporting the Hamburg games ecosystem through professional development, networking, and the exploration of modern business practices.

The Games Lift Incubator serves as a strategic support system for early-stage game development teams, providing a structured environment to refine concepts and transition into professional production. Operated by Gamecity Hamburg, the program selects up to five teams annually for a three-month intensive cycle. Participants receive a financial grant of up to €15,000, professional mentorship, and dedicated co-working space, all designed to accelerate the development of digital game projects.

A core component of the incubator’s educational outreach involves specialized workshops that address critical industry challenges, such as alternative financing models. Crowdfunding is highlighted as a primary area of focus, with expert guidance provided by industry veterans who have successfully navigated the complexities of platforms like Kickstarter. These sessions emphasize the practical realities of campaign management, including the specific advantages, technical requirements, and common pitfalls that developers must navigate to secure community funding.

The initiative targets independent developers seeking to professionalize their operations and improve their chances of commercial success. By combining direct financial support with expert-led workshops, the program aims to bridge the gap between conceptual design and market readiness. The curriculum is informed by extensive experience in shipping multiple titles, ensuring that participants gain actionable insights into both the creative and business aspects of the gaming industry. These efforts are part of a broader commitment to fostering innovation within the regional game development ecosystem.

The first 2021 funding round for the Hamburg Prototype Funding program awarded a total of €252,000 to six digital game projects. Managed by Gamecity Hamburg, this initiative provides non-repayable grants to local start-ups and developers to assist in the creation of prototypes, thereby strengthening Hamburg’s position as a prominent European hub for the games industry. The program specifically targets projects with high market potential, requiring recipients to be based in or relocate to Hamburg.

Selection for the funding was conducted by an expert committee that evaluated 23 total applications based on project quality, team presentation, feasibility, and potential for local industry growth. The six successful recipients received varying grant amounts: THE INVITATION (€60,000), ARC BREAK (€50,000), Rocket Science GONE WRONG (€48,000), Crumbling (€39,782), The Hunt for Epic Treasure (€35,200), and Fantasma Ville (€19,140). Notably, the project Crumbling serves as a case study for the program's success, having transitioned from the Games Lift Incubator to receiving prototype funding.

The application process for this round occurred between March 29 and May 17, 2021, and included an online pitch day for shortlisted teams. The initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Senate of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg to provide tailored support to the games sector. Following the success of this round, the program scheduled a second funding phase for later in 2021, alongside additional support opportunities through the Games Lift Incubator, which provides both financial assistance and professional mentorship.

The Gamecity@School initiative serves as a strategic outreach program designed to cultivate the next generation of gaming professionals within Hamburg. By connecting senior students with established industry experts, the program aims to demystify career paths and provide a comprehensive overview of the local games ecosystem. The primary objective is to bridge the gap between academic education and professional practice, fostering early interest in the sector as a viable career trajectory.

The pilot event, held on June 3, 2021, at the Stadtteilschule am Hafen, featured a collaborative online session involving 25 senior students. Industry professionals from prominent Hamburg-based studios—including Tiny Roar, Osmotic Studios, and InnoGames—provided firsthand insights into diverse job profiles such as game design, 3D artistry, and software development. These practitioners shared personal career narratives to illustrate the various entry points and skill sets required to succeed in the competitive gaming landscape.

This initiative reflects a broader commitment to strengthening the Hamburg games cluster through educational engagement. Given the positive reception of the initial session, the program is positioned for expansion to additional secondary schools across the district. By facilitating direct interaction between students and active developers, the project seeks to ensure a sustainable pipeline of talent for the regional industry, ultimately reinforcing Hamburg’s status as a key hub for game development and innovation.

The city of Hamburg has introduced a specialized online service designed to assist operators of online communities in reporting hate speech and harassment directly to the public prosecutor’s office. Managed by the Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection, the initiative aims to streamline the legal process for addressing criminal content, thereby fostering safer digital environments for users and companies alike.

The platform allows participating organizations to file criminal charges with minimal administrative burden. Users can submit reports through a digital form, which supports the inclusion of evidentiary materials such as screenshots and short video files. The service permits anonymous reporting via a company account, and in instances where a formal criminal complaint is legally required, the system facilitates the upload of signed documentation.

To support the adoption of this tool, the Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection provides free online training sessions for companies interested in utilizing the service. This initiative reflects a broader effort to improve the prosecution of online offenses by lowering the barrier for community managers to engage with law enforcement. Further details regarding the reporting process and the project, known as "OHNe Hass," are available through the official portal of the Hamburg Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection.

This announcement serves as a formal recruitment notice for a Project Manager position within Gamecity Hamburg, a location initiative under the Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft. The primary objective of the role is to support the regional games ecosystem by conceptualizing and supervising service offerings, managing the Games Lift Incubator, and fostering strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders, universities, and networks.

The position is based in Hamburg, Germany, and is structured as a one-year, fixed-term contract to cover parental leave, with options for either full-time or part-time employment. Candidates are expected to possess a relevant degree or extensive professional experience, with a proven background in project management, event organization, and cross-company networking. Proficiency in both German and English is required, alongside the ability to manage digital programs and represent the organization through public speaking and panel moderation.

As the largest institution for the promotion of the creative industries in Germany, the Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft emphasizes a collaborative work environment with flat hierarchies and flexible working arrangements. The recruitment process, which concluded in June 2021, sought individuals capable of strengthening Hamburg’s positioning as a central hub for the games industry through proactive engagement with startups, associations, and public authorities.