Germany is supporting game studios with new funding program

• To qualify, founders or college students must have established a new studio in Germany within the last 18 months or plan to do so in the next year

Germany has launched a funding program for new game studios in the country to help them focus on the founding phase and accelerate game development. 

As reported by Game Developer, video games start-up founders can now apply for the ‘Press Start: Games Founding Grant', which will see eligible founders receive €2,750 ($2,960) per month for 18 months. 

To qualify, founders or college students must have established a new studio in Germany within the last 18 months or plan to do so in the next year. 

A jury will choose up to 130 applicants to receive education and networking support. Applicants must also have a game concept or project in early development. Technologies like VR or gamification are also suitable for submission.

Germany as a games hub

“With the grant, we are supporting the further development of the innovative and diverse games development landscape and thus strengthening Germany as a games location," said minister representative Claudia Roth. 

“With this pilot project, the funds earmarked by the German Bundestag for cultural games funding will benefit games visionaries throughout Germany."

Applications for the grant are open until November 17, 2024. Interested founders can apply here.