Federal funding for the games industry at gamescom 2026
21st August 2026 — The Federal Government’s games funding programme supports the development of games – interactive, electronic works based on a game concept. Among other things, the funding aims to make Germany internationally competitive as a games development hub and to create a sustainable games ecosystem comprising small, medium-sized and large companies.
DLR Projektträger implements the games funding programme on behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).
For further information and support, please contact the relevant representatives at the DLR Project Management Agency.
At gamescom:
At the BMFTR stand in the Business Area,
Hall 4.1, Stand B 056g / C 064g
Email: games@dlr.de
Telephone: +49 (0) 228/3821-1850
Key facts about the federal government’s funding for the games industry, for those interested in applying for funding, in the form of a factsheet and FAQs:
What is the maximum funding amount?
Funding amount: Max. €8 million per project
What is the minimum investment amount required for my eligible project?
Investment sum of eligible project: starting at min. €300.000
Does the money have to be repaid?
Type of support: Non repayable grant
What percentage of the costs is covered by the grant? What is the grant rate?
The general funding rate can be up to 25%.
Depending on eligibility, the total funding rate can reach up to 45% for small and medium-sized enterprises and up to 50% for Start-ups.
The other part of the eligible costs must be financed from non-subsidized sources.
Which projects are eligible for funding?
New games, major DLCs/add ons, season passes, and substantial platform ports. Covers prototypes and full productions.
What are the benefits of this funding?
Risk mitigation: Public grant reduces the financial exposure of development.
Can international participants take part as well?
Eligibility & International Co production: The program is open to international companies that have a legal German entity, e.g. branch office or GmbH.
Is it worth applying for international organisations as well?
Strategic entry: Attractive when investing in or partnering with a German studio, or when a significant share of development takes place in Germany.
Co production leverage: Facilitates joint ventures with German partners, sharing expertise and market access.
Scale & ambition: Enables larger, higher quality projects than would be possible with private capital alone.
How does collaboration with partners abroad work?
International co productions are allowed, but the German partner must fulfil the lead partner role and meet all program requirements.
What do foreign companies need to bear in mind?
Foreign companies can participate only by applying through an eligible German subsidiary, branch, or legal entity that will serve as the lead partner.
Further information and documents relating to the funding programme can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).
