Games Capital Region Envisions Itself as the Home of Games

With €6.4 million in funding, the Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg supported the games and XR industry in 2024, drawing an overwhelmingly positive conclusion. For 2025, MBB and the entire region are anticipating further growth, highlighted by the presentation of the Deutscher Computerspielpreis (DCP) on May 14, 2025.

The capital region, comprising the two federal states of Berlin and Brandenburg, has given a thoroughly positive assessment of its games industry. According to the Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg, the funding body, the games and XR industry received a total of €6.4 million in 2024. Of this, €4.8 million was allocated to content funding, specifically for individual projects. Within that amount, €3.6 million went to games and XR games, while €1.2 million was dedicated to other XR projects. The remaining €1.6 million supported games and XR-related events, networks, and talent initiatives, including Games Ground, XR Port Berlin, The Rabbit Games Residency in Brandenburg, and media.net games.

"Games are experiencing the greatest growth within the audiovisual industry, including in the Capital Region. At MBB, this is reflected in the continued high demand for funding, particularly in the games and XR sectors. We are grateful to be able to maintain the funding budget for games, even though we are far from being able to compensate for the loss of national games funding," says Helge Jürgens, Managing Director of Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg. Looking ahead, the MBB and Berlin remain optimistic for 2025, when the Deutscher Computerspielpreis (DCP; German Computer Games Award) returns to Berlin. The event’s date was confirmed during its conclusion: the gala is scheduled for May 14, 2025. Jürgens comments: "With next year in mind, we are very much looking forward to the DCP: Games Capital is rolling out the red carpet in Berlin together with the governing mayor and celebrating the industry where it is at home! DCP is Coming Home!"

Another prestigious initiative is also on the horizon: the House of Games, which is set to take shape and become a reality over the course of the coming year. Berlin's Governing Mayor, Kai Wegner, has expressed support for the project, which is planned in addition to the MBB budget of €4.6 million within the Berlin Senate’s budget.

"Berlin is Home for Games. We are expanding our role as the most important games location in Germany and further increasing our attractiveness for indie studios as well as large players, creatives, and investors. Berlin has huge opportunities in this area. The fact that we will be giving the Deutscher Computerspielpreis a home in Berlin in 2025 is a strong signal that we are consciously sending. With the presentation of the DCP in Berlin, the important funding and location work of the Medienboard, and the planned House of Games, we are on the road to success," the Governing Mayor says.

All funding decisions in the area of games and XR for 2024 can be found on the MBB website.