Gamecity Hamburg Allocates €400,000 for Game Development Prototypes

Gamecity Hamburg is launching a funding initiative, offering a total of €400,000 to support game development. Eligible startups and studios in Hamburg can apply for funding to create game prototypes, with a maximum grant of €80,000 per project and a total cap of €120,000. The application period for the Prototype Funding program will be open from March 7 to April 8. A new diversity checklist has been introduced this year, aiming to promote greater diversity in team composition and game content. The checklist includes questions about the development team's demographics and whether the game features underrepresented ethnic and gender groups. According to Dennis Schoubye, head of Gamecity Hamburg, "The diversity checklist is a new addition to our application process, encouraging applicants to assess their own structures and development processes. Games have the power to showcase diverse perspectives and voices, making them a leading medium of our time." Completing the diversity checklist is mandatory for funding applications. Schoubye added, "Applicants who contribute to the diversity of Hamburg's gaming landscape may receive a bonus during the evaluation process." Since its inception in 2020, the Prototype Funding program has supported 26 projects with over €1,450,000 in funding.