Gamecity Hamburg, a game development association, has announced that it will be supporting five game projects in its 2024 funding round. The funding, which amounts to up to 80,000 euros ($86,600), is aimed at helping start-ups in Hamburg develop prototypes of digital games. The awarding committee has recognized the high market potential of all the funded projects.
Two of the five funding recipients have previously completed Gamecity Hamburg’s Games Lift Incubator program. This program provides support and mentorship to game developers, and applications for the 2024 program are open until June 10.
The awarding committee was impressed with the quality and diversity of the 29 projects submitted this year. This marks the sixth funding round since 2020, and a total of 31 prototypes have been supported through prototype funding. The next application phase for funding will begin in the spring of 2025.
Among the funded projects is “Chaos Royale” by Monodot, a multiplayer game where players battle hordes of monsters and compete against each other. Another project, “Map Map” by Pipapo Games, is an exploration game where players create their own maps and search for a legendary treasure. “The Regreening” by Positive Impact Games is a nature and restoration management game where players restore the earth and befriend animals and folklore spirits. “A Most Honorable Bunch” by Osmotic Studios is a narrative deduction adventure game set on an island with a mysterious secret. Lastly, “Melodies” by Behind the Stone is a horror adventure game with three self-standing stories.
Dennis Schoubye, head of Gamecity Hamburg and a member of the awarding committee, expressed his excitement about the funded projects and the diversity they bring to the gaming industry in Hamburg.
Gamecity Hamburg’s Prototype Funding has received applications from 29 developers, start-ups, and companies in Hamburg. In 2024, the organization introduced a diversity checklist as part of the application process. The checklist allows the awarding committee to evaluate the diversity of the projects and consider it in their decision-making process.
The recipients of the 2024 funding were chosen by an awarding committee consisting of industry experts from Hamburg, including representatives from Goodgame Studios, Daedalic Entertainment, Indie Arena Booth, and the Hamburg Ministry of Culture and Media.
Overall, Gamecity Hamburg’s funding program is providing crucial support to game developers in Hamburg, enabling them to bring their ideas to life and contribute to the vibrant gaming industry in the city.