Gamecity Hamburg has opened applications for its 2025 Prototype Funding program, offering up to €80,000 ($84,000) per project to support game developers. The total funding pool for this year is €400,000 ($420,000), and applications will be accepted from March 3 to April 7, 2025.
This program run by Gamecity Hamburg under Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft, is aimed at supporting indie developers and small studios in realizing their game concepts. The financing includes up to 80% of eligible expenses and is repayable.
To apply, developers must be based in Hamburg or be willing to relocate or open a branch there. Consultation with Gamecity Hamburg is obligatory at least two weeks prior to the deadline so that the applicants will be well prepared by then.
The selection committee will review applications and conduct a pitch round on May 5, 2025, before making final decisions.
Projects from previous Gamecity Hamburg Prototype Funding rounds have seen success, with games like Misgiven winning the Best Prototype award at the German Computer Game Awards 2024 and Replicore securing a nomination. Another title, Map Map – A Game About Maps, won the Ubisoft Newcomer Award.
For those looking for additional support, Gamecity Hamburg also runs the Games Lift Incubator, providing €15,000 ($16,000) in funding, mentoring, and networking opportunities. Applications for Games Lift 2025 open on May 2, 2025.
More details and application materials are available on the official Gamecity Hamburg website.
