The Gamecity Hamburg events, in particular, have played a significant role in fostering this community spirit. Attending these events often feels like being part of a big family. Additionally, Hamburg hosts exhibitions and conventions such as the Hamburg Games Conference and the Polaris Con, which attract a growing number of visitors and contribute to establishing the city as one of Germany’s major gaming hubs.
SIGNALIS, published by Humble Games, won Best Debut and Best Audio Design at this year’s German Game Awards
a roller coaster ride. Most recently, it became the victim of its own success, with more and more companies asking for – and relying on – federal funding while the budget stayed the same as before. The unfortunate result: A temporary application stop. Needless to say, there are now discussions going on between our industry association and the law makers. One side is asking for more - and different kinds of - funding to make Germany’s gaming industry more competitive internationally, while the other side is pointing to general budgetary constraints. All in all, we are still a ways away from what countries like France and Canada are doing. However, substantial federal funding does exist in Germany, which is more than many other countries can claim.
Do you have close relationships with other game companies in the region? Is there a healthy sense of “community” in the local scene? Marvin Eschenauer (Bytro): Of course! For starters, a few of Bytro’s sister companies are located in Hamburg (Goodgame Studios, Playa Games), and then there’s Gamecity Hamburg, through which anyone gets to meet pretty much everyone involved in the industry.
Michelle Zou (Bigpoint): We have established close relationships with other game companies in the Hamburg region. The sense of community in the local game development and business scene is quite healthy.
Marc Morian (InnoGames): We do collaborate with other Hamburg-based gaming companies on various projects. The fact that Hamburg’s gaming industry is sizable, yet concentrated in a relatively small area, really helps with that. Our paths cross all the time, be it at the many networking events, seminars and workshops organised by Gamecity Hamburg, at Indie Developer gatherings, or at one of the lighthouse events such as Hamburg Games Conference or Polaris. We try to do our share by organising an annual networking event called “GamesCompass” together with Gamecity Hamburg and by organising a games internship program for pupils together with Fishlabs, Tivola Games and others, just to name a few examples. Not least, there’s a sizable local chapter of game, Germany’s gaming industry association, which serves as a platform for exchanges on all relevant matters. So, yes, it’s fair to say that there’s a healthy sense of community.
Can you describe your relationship with any local colleges and universities? How do you rate their facilities in terms of providing the talent you need? Marc Morian (InnoGames): Hamburg boasts some great colleges and universities. Only some of them offer gaming specific programs, but we don’t mind too much because we believe that, in most cases, gaming-specific skills can be learned on the job. Therefore, graduates of non-gaming related programs are just as welcome at InnoGames. That said, we most closely cooperate with those colleges and universities that are involved in our tailor-made dual InnoBachelor and InnoMaster programs. Other forms of cooperation involve guest lectures, seminars, or workshops given by InnoGames staff, participation in juries that judge gaming-related student projects, giving away free student tickets to gaming business conferences, inviting students to our game jams, or organised visits to our office that provide students with insights on how we work. So, overall our relationships with local colleges and universities are friendly and close. And, generally speaking, we are happy with the quality of their graduates.
Marvin Eschenauer (Bytro): We have not yet established a permanent cooperation with a college or university,
30 | MCV/DEVELOP August 2023
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