Game development is hard, complicated and costly, particularly in expensive locations such as Germany. Therefore, federal and regional funding plays a crucial role. This case study looks at Songs of Silence by Chimera Entertainment, which received federal funding and local support by FFF Bayern.
Reliable financial support from the federal government and regional partners is crucial for developing computer and video games in Germany, where location costs are high. This is true even for an experienced, long-established company such as the Munich-based Chimera Entertainment. Over 16 years the Bavarian Studio has received funding support for several projects from FFF Bayern (FilmFernsehFonds Bayern), the central funding agency for film, games, XR and more in the state of Bavaria, totalling €1.4m. FFF Bayern has funded seven of Chimera Entertainment‘s projects and games, primarily for prototype development. Christian Kluckner, Chimera Entertainment‘s Managing Director, emphasises the importance of this kind of support for prototypes.
"Local funding has been very important for us, even as an experienced and long-established studio, and has been especially valuable in the prototype phase. Prototypes are inherently risky, but they are also where innovation and new IPs are born. Having a strong regional partner that is willing to support these early, uncertain stages allows studios like ours to explore new ideas responsibly, without putting the entire company at risk." - Christian Kluckner, Chimera Entertainment's Managing Director
