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New momentum for the German games industry: million-dollar funding starts!
In the Enzkreis, game developers are learning about new funding opportunities that will be available from August 2023 to strengthen the industry.
New momentum for the German games industry: million-dollar funding starts!
An upswing for the games industry in Germany is imminent! From August 2023, developers of computer and video games will again have the opportunity to apply for funding. The funding application freeze, which was imposed in May 2023 due to tight budgets, has finally been lifted. The controversial phase ended in December 2024 and opened the way for new financial support. “This makes the industry more competitive and attractive again,” said Federal Research Minister Dorothee Bär (CSU), who emphasized the importance of this funding for growth and innovation. According to paz.de, the federal government plans to provide 88 million euros for games funding this year and 125 million euros next year.
Part of the funding budget is already available, the rest will follow in the fall after the federal budget is decided. The new funding call will enable maximum support of up to eight million euros per project, reducing the financial burden for developers with ambitious goals. Felix Falk, managing director of the Game industry association, welcomes the lifting of the restrictions and sees this as a step in the right direction: “We finally have better conditions here,” Falk continued. In addition, the tax support for the games industry set out in the coalition agreement is still to come.
A rapidly growing sector
The games industry is showing strong growth and plays an important role in the German economy: Germany is the largest market in Europe and ranks fifth worldwide. The Federal Ministry of Economics has published current guidelines for games funding, which contain the first call for funding from December 30, 2024. The new regulations come about in collaboration with the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and Media. The aim is to improve the framework conditions for projects that cost at least 300,000 euros. A maximum of two million euros can be funded. In order to be able to claim the funding, it is necessary to pass a culture test.
The funding rate differs depending on the size of the company. Start-ups can get up to 50 percent of their costs reimbursed, while large companies receive a maximum of 25 percent. The rest is supported by BKM budget funds, which are not tied to the upper limits. These measures serve not only to provide financial support, but also to promote innovations and new business models that are recognized as economic innovations.
Step into the future
The government is striving to ensure the competitiveness of Germany as a location and to increase the proportion of games produced in Germany, which is currently less than five percent. Well-known titles such as “Anno 1800” from Ubisoft and “Enshrouded” from Keen Games show the potential that lies dormant in this sector. The upcoming Gamescom in August 2023 in Cologne, the world's largest computer and video game trade fair, could represent a further boost for the industry.
Overall, the lifting of restrictions and the faster allocation of funding is a positive sign for the future of the German games industry. It remains exciting to see how this new wind will affect the creativity and innovative strength of developers. If you have any questions, please contact our expert Dr. Matteo Riatti at +49 30 67055 8114 or by email at matteo.riatti@dlr.de.