Press Start: Overview
All information on the grant
“Press Start: Games Founding Grant” supported the creation of new game development studios in Germany. An expert jury selected 132 founders from all over Germany for the project. The programme was designed with a focus on supporting games as a cultural asset.
The application phase ran from October 28 to November 17, 2024. The program has been run by game – The German Games Industry Association in cooperation with the Foundation for Digital Games Culture and is funded by the Minister of State for Culture and the Media.
What was on offer
18-month grant of 2,750 euros per month
Extensive educational and networking program
Coaching from games industry experts
For whom
Fresh founders (founded in the last 18 months)
Soon-to-be founders (start-ups within the next 12 months)
Students planning to graduate by summer 2025
What was required
At least one game concept or game in the early development phase
Projects could also include serious games, VR/AR/MR and more
Who could apply
Game developers with main residence in Germany
Founding project with headquarters in Germany
Individuals, but in combination with up to 2 other team members
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