adminGamecity Hamburg prototype funding will open for applications from September 4 to 24, 2026, giving eligible studios and startups the opportunity to seek non-repayable support for a game prototype. Grants of up to €80,000 are available, with €180,000 in total funding allocated for this round.
Image credit: Gamecity Hamburg
Gamecity Hamburg prototype funding: who can apply?
Small and medium-sized studios, founders, and startups can submit projects for consideration during the application window. To be eligible, a prototype must demonstrate what the programme describes as “compelling market potential.” The announcement does not specify further application requirements or how applicants should demonstrate that potential.
Applicants can use the time before September 4 to prepare a clear explanation of their project, its intended audience, and the market opportunity it aims to address. These points can help communicate a prototype’s potential, but applicants should check the programme’s official guidance for the complete criteria and submission requirements.
Funding amount and selection committee
The round has €180,000 available overall, and individual grants can reach €80,000. The funding is non-repayable, meaning successful recipients are not expected to repay the grant. The announcement does not say how many projects will receive support in this round.
Two new members have joined the awarding committee: Nora Klutzny, producer at Off the Beaten Track, and Paul Taaks, co-founder and creative director of Overhype Studios. They will serve alongside Dennis Schoubye, Head of Gamecity Hamburg; Nina Müller, VP of Publishing & Development Services at Goodgame Studios; and Valentina Birke, Director of Indie Arena Booth/Super Crowd Entertainment.
Schoubye said the second funding round is intended to help developers launch game projects in Hamburg. He also welcomed Klutzny and Taaks, noting that their market expertise would contribute to the selection process.
Projects funded in the first round
In May, Gamecity Hamburg announced five recipients from its first funding round. The grants were awarded as follows:
- Manor Cartographer by Pipapo Games — €80,000
- Odem by Odd Zeroes — €80,000
- Welken by Studio Gutheil — €60,000
- Ungradable: Twisted Card Grading by Chasmic Drop Studio — €48,000
- Wrong Horse by Bird Outside Studio — €40,000
Pipapo Games, Chasmic Drop Studios, and Bird Outside Studios had previously taken part in Gamecity Hamburg’s Lift Incubator. The earlier awards provide context for the programme’s support of local game development, but the second round has its own application period and selection process.
What applicants should check
Before applying, studios and founders should confirm the current eligibility rules, required documents, and submission instructions with the funding programme. Pay particular attention to the September 4–24, 2026 deadline and ensure the proposal clearly explains the prototype’s market potential. The available announcement does not provide a more detailed application checklist.
Conclusion
Gamecity Hamburg prototype funding offers eligible teams a chance to apply for non-repayable grants of up to €80,000, with €180,000 available in the second 2026 round. Studios, founders, and startups interested in the opportunity should prepare early and verify the full application requirements before submitting.
