Federal Funding Goes to Sandbox Interactive and stillalive studios

Funding

G+ BKM Funding Update: These Studios Received 15.2 Million Euros

Following an overhaul of the list, details of grants awarded in 2025 from the Federal Minister for Culture’s fund are now once again publicly available. The number of studios has risen from 35 to over 50, and the total amount has increased from just under 10 million euros to over 15 million euros.

By Stephan Steininger • 3 min read

Funding

UKIE Calls For Continuity as Impact of Games Growth Package Becomes Apparent

One year on from its launch, the UK games industry and policymakers have given an initial positive assessment of the Games Growth Package. UKIE chief Nick Poole has called for continuity. The successes achieved are a cause for optimism, but are still fragile.

By Stephan Steininger • 2 min read

Funding

Gamecity Hamburg Introduces Participants of Its Level Up Incubator 2026

The selection panel has chosen five projects from the submissions for this year’s Level Up Incubator programme run by Gamecity Hamburg. As well as a small grant of 15,000 euros, the teams and developers involved will, above all, receive coaching, expert support and access to a experienced network.

By Stephan Steininger • 1 min read

Awards

Blue Backpack and Spoonful Games Dominated GDD Awards

Almost all the prizes at this year’s GermanDevDays Awards went to Blue Backpack and Spoonful Games. Only Jonas Pfeiffer and Dieter Marchsreiter were also among the winners.

By Stephan Steininger • 1 min read

Jobs

Lead UI Artist

Hutch, London, UK

By GamesMarket Job Agent • 4 min read

People

Yoshi-P on Fostering Engaged Audiences – and Never Retiring

At the Berlin press conference, director Naoki "Yoshi-P" Yoshida gave his view on how Final Fantasy fostered its enamoured audience. He also gave his view on retirement: If he ever were to retire from Square, he'd want to remain in the audience as an indie studio founder.

By Pascal Wagner • 4 min read

People

Womenize! Inspiring Stories: Christina Luntz

In their weekly interview series Womenize! features inspirational, diverse people who work in the games and tech industry, to share their experiences, give valuable advice and talk about their projects. In cooperation with Womenize! and Madeleine Egger, GamesMarkt is republishing these inspirations.

By Madeleine Egger • 3 min read

Products

Square Enix Reveals FF XIV & VII Cooperation, Call for IP Collaboration

At the Final Fantasy Fan Fest keynote in Berlin, FF XIV producer Naoki Yoshida and FF 7 Director Naoki Hamagutchi presented the collaboration of both teams for the MMO's content. Yoshida also introduced a new minigame aiming for outside franchise implementation.

By Pascal Wagner • 2 min read

Products

Final Fantasy XIV Drops Switch 2 Version on 4 August

At the keynote of Final Fantasy Fan Fest in Berlin today, director Naoki Yoshida has revealed the release date for the Switch 2 version of FF XIV. The game will release on 4 August with a free testing month for everyone. Afterwards, it will need a separate subscription.

By Pascal Wagner • 1 min read