For the seventh time, the Games Lift Incubator, run by Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft through its Gamecity Hamburg initiative, is supporting the development of video games. Each team will receive 15,000 euros, as well as workshops, personalised expert guidance and access to a network of experts.
© Gamecity Hamburg
These are the five projects for the 2026 cohort
From numerous applications, the selection panel chose the five teams that will receive support for one year through the Games Lift Incubator. They have chosen the following projects:
Neon Nest by Friederike Fröhlich
Snap Shut Worlds by Leanna Geideck and Stephan zu Münster
Sunderhold by Rainpiper Games
Time Travel Train by EdelErde
Witch Artisan by Shellsprout
The Games Lift Incubator programme kicks off in early September with workshops and the first disbursement of financial support. The teams also get to know their mentors and receive their first mentoring session. During this phase, experienced industry experts share their knowledge and practical advice on topics such as project management, pitching, funding, legal matters and marketing several days a week. In December, the teams will present the results of their work in a public pitch. Until August 2027, they will then receive coaching from their mentors during regular, one-to-one sessions. The Games Lift Network will be available to the teams throughout this period to answer individual questions on all aspects of video game development and marketing.
