• Online application until 17 November at https://games-stipendium.de
  • Individual and team submissions of up to three people possible
  • Second info webinar for applicants on 5 November at 4 pm

Berlin, 28 October 2024: Games developers from all over Germany can now apply for a spot on the ‘Press Start: Games Founding Grant’. The application process takes place exclusively via the ‘Press Start’ website. In addition to individuals, teams of up to three people can submit a joint application. In this case, each team member will be individually assessed for suitability. Key components of the application are a letter of motivation, CVs and a pitch deck. Submission deadline is 17 November 2024 at 23:59. The Foundation for Digital Games Culture is responsible for the submission and jury process of the scholarship programme in cooperation with game – the German Games Industry Association. The ‘Press Start: Games Founding Grant’ is funded by the Minister of State for Culture and the Media.

After formal examination of all applications by the Foundation for Digital Games Culture, the valid submissions will be presented to an independent, 20-member jury of experts, who will evaluate the applications in a two-stage process. The jury members will be announced during the application process. The pitch decks submitted will be assessed according to a number of criteria, which can be found in the application instructions. The game projects presented must be included at least in concept form. Games that are already in development can also be considered. However, they can not have been published yet. Modifications of games that have already been developed without significant changes or unique features are not sufficient. The grants will be allocated and the grant contracts concluded this year. The workshop and coaching programme will start in 2025.

‘Press Start: Games Founding Grant’ is aimed at games developers whose primary residence is in Germany and who have either founded a company in Germany in the last 18 months or are planning to do so within the next 12 months. Applicants who are still enrolled at university will also be considered, provided they are aiming to graduate at the end of the current winter or upcoming summer semester. In addition to games, all projects that utilise game-based mechanics and technologies in the broadest sense (e.g. serious games, VR/AR/MR, etc.) are suitable for a valid application. Purely analogue game concepts will not be considered in the process.

On 29 October, game invites you to a #gamechanger talk with the brains behind the Games Founding Grant from 3:30 pm. Dr Andreas Görgen, Head of Office at the State Minister of Culture, game Managing Director Felix Falk and Nandita Wegehaupt, Managing Director of the Foundation for Digital Games Culture, will talk about the background to the grant on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/game_verband

Interested founders can also find out more about the application process at webinars on 30 October and 5 November 2024. There will be no other offers for individual application advice. Webinar registrations, the application form and current information can be found at: https://games-stipendium.de/