Gaming
Gamecity Hamburg funds three games prototypes with € 159,000 in second funding round 2021
In the second funding round in 2021, Gamecity Hamburg supports three promising games projects with a total of 159,000 euros through its Prototype Funding program. The non-repayable grant enables companies and developers based in Hamburg to develop prototypes of their games for the growing global games market. Together with the six projects selected by the awarding committee in the first funding round, Gamecity Hamburg funds nine prototypes with a total of 411,000 euros this year.
Starting March 4, 2022, right after the Hamburg Games Conference, companies and developers can apply again for the next funding round of Gamecity Hamburg’s Prototype Funding. The application phase for the second funding round will start directly after gamescom 2022.
“Both 2021 funding rounds have impressively shown us that there is a great deal of dynamics in the games industry in Hamburg. We were impressed by how diverse the funding applications were – in addition to games of all genres and for all platforms, a serious game, and a home training app convinced the awarding committee with their market potential for the first time in this funding round,” says Dennis Schoubye, Head of Gamecity Hamburg and member of the awarding committee for prototype funding.
The funded projects of the second funding round 2021
- Castle Town by Sviper – 80,000 euros
- CR4NKUP by CR4NKUP – 40,000 euros
- Mambio by neurodactics – 39,273 euros
In the mobile game Castle Town by Sviper, players can build towns in a medieval setting and optimize supply chains for all the goods they need on a grand scale. Sviper is an indie studio from Hamburg and was able to celebrate its first successes with the debut “Super Spell Heroes”. With Castle Town, Sviper wants to take off further.
CR4NKUP by CR4NKUP is an indoor training game that combines real bike training with a virtual world filled with a large number of fellow players. Through gamification elements such as multiplayer and online tournaments, the free-to-play app is designed to motivate professional athletes and amateur cyclists alike.
Mambio by neurodactics is the first serious game supported by the Hamburg prototype funding. Mambio is an inclusive learning game for elementary school-aged children that playfully promotes the fun of math and aims to make learning arithmetic easier for children with disabilities as well.
A total of eleven start-ups, games companies and solo developers applied for funding in the second funding round 2021 from August 30 to October 16. After an online pitch, the projects were selected by an awarding committee, consisting of Hamburg industry experts Nina Müller (Head of Publishing, Goodgame Studios), Michael Schade (Co-Founder and CEO, ROCKFISH Games), Valentina Birke (Project Manager, Super Crowd Entertainment), Jens Unrau (Head of Department Media and Digital Economy of the Ministry of Culture and Media in Hamburg) and Dennis Schoubye (Head of Gamecity Hamburg).
In addition to a convincing presentation of the project and the team members, the experts evaluated the submitted projects according to further criteria such as promotion of young talent, team, market potential and location effect for Hamburg.
Prototype funding from Gamecity Hamburg
In 2020, the funding program already supported the development of seven prototypes with a total of 430,000 euros.
All information on prototype funding in Hamburg can be found at: www.gamecity-hamburg.de/funding/.
The next application phase for prototype funding 2022 will start directly after the Hamburg Games Conference on March 4, 2022. The application phase for the second funding round in 2022 will start directly after gamescom.
Those who would like to discuss prototype funding and other funding programs for the games industry more intensively are cordially invited to do so on the Gamecity Hamburg Discord server: https://discord.gg/gamecityhamburg.
Further funding opportunities through Gamecity Hamburg
With its support and funding program Games Lift Incubator, Gamecity Hamburg supports five teams per year with up to 15,000 euros and a three-month coaching and mentoring program by experienced, international experts from the games industry.
For the teams participating in the Games Lift Incubator in 2021, the intensive phase of their participation in the program will end on December 2 with the “Games Lift Graduation” event.
Guests can register to participate in the Graduation event via live stream or on-site. Free tickets are available on Eventbrite: https://games-lift-graduation-2021.eventbrite.de/
Powered by WPeMatico
Diamond Coins
Wazdan enhances Hot Slot™ series with Hot Slot™: Diamond Coins
Wazdan, the gain-focused game developer, has bolstered its high-performing Hot Slot
portfolio with the launch of Hot Slot
: Diamond Coins, a vibrant new title that merges the series’ retro charm with mechanics from its flagship Coins
collection.
Staying true to the Hot Slot
format, the game spans 15 reels and features fan-favourite mechanics including Cash Infinity
and Hold the Jackpot
, alongside specially designed Bonus symbols to boost engagement.
In the Hold the Jackpot
Bonus Game, players compete for a Grand Jackpot of up to 3,000x their stake. Standard Hot Slot
symbols also remain active on any reel without a Bonus symbol, using two paylines to deliver consistent base-game wins.
The Chance Level
feature adds an extra layer of strategy and excitement, increasing the likelihood of triggering the Hold the Jackpot
Bonus Round and offering players a more personalised gameplay experience.
Radka Bacheva, Head of Sales and Business Development at Wazdan, said:
“Hot Slot
: Diamond Coins marks an exciting milestone in the evolution of the Hot Slot
series. By combining the retro aesthetics players love with the proven performance of our Coins
mechanics, and layering in Cash Infinity
, Hold the Jackpot
, and Chance Level
, we’ve created a dynamic experience that immediately captures attention and delivers engaging, high-energy gameplay from the very first spin.”
Hot Slot
: Diamond Coins is now available for integration, designed to perform across global markets and appeal to a broad player base.
The post Wazdan enhances Hot Slot™ series with Hot Slot™: Diamond Coins appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Gaming
PopOK Gaming Launches “Matatu Juu”: A Fast-Paced Journey to 10,000x Multipliers
PopOK Gaming has launched its latest title, Matatu Juu, a fast-paced crash game that brings the vibrant energy of urban commutes to the gaming world. Inspired by the lively “Matatu” culture, the game challenges players to chase escalating multipliers, with the potential for wins of up to 10,000x.
High-Stakes, Player-Controlled Action
At the heart of Matatu Juu is the intuitive Cashout mechanic, giving players full control to decide the perfect moment to secure their rewards before the inevitable crash. Timing and strategy define the thrill, creating a tense, adrenaline-filled experience with every spin.
Key Features:
- Massive Multiplier Potential: Chase multipliers soaring up to 10,000x for life-changing wins.
- Player-Centric Control: Cash out at your own pace—play safe or go all-in for the ultimate payout.
- Seamless Gameplay: A clean, engaging interface that’s easy for newcomers but addictive for experienced players.
- Vibrant Urban Theme: A colorful, energetic design that blends cultural flair with modern gaming mechanics.
“With Matatu Juu, we wanted to capture the thrill of a fast-paced commute and turn it into a rewarding gaming journey,” said Luiza Melikyan, Head of Business Development at PopOK Gaming. “Combining simple crash mechanics with huge win potential keeps players on the edge of their seats from start to finish.”
Matatu Juu is now available for integration, offering operators a high-engagement title perfectly suited for players seeking instant-win, social-style gaming experiences.
The post PopOK Gaming Launches “Matatu Juu”: A Fast-Paced Journey to 10,000x Multipliers appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
BGaming
Hook Huge Rewards in Fishing Club 2
Fast-growing content producer announces its involvement in a long-awaited sequel.
Renowned iGaming content developer BGaming aims to capture significant victories once more in Fishing Club 2, the follow-up to one of the firm’s most profitable #Casual games.
Participants settle in around a picturesque lake before dropping their lines into the water to discover what prizes they might reel in. The game offers a first-person perspective, engaging players directly in the action while conveying the soothing ambiance of an actual fishing experience.
BGaming has considered players’ opinions on the original game and provided them with greater freedom in their gameplay of Fishing Club 2. Players can fish at three spots located at dawn, dusk, and twilight. This provides each session with a unique twist and enables players to discover the atmosphere that suits their preferences.
The new Fishing Club game offers two bonus features. The Fishing Net bonus, capable of being activated for ×60 the player’s wager, spreads widely, while the TNT Bonus, valued at ×100 the wager, creates a massive blast in the water. You can acquire both of these by using the Buy Bonus button, ensuring a victory.
A skilled angler retains trophies, and the game enables players to track theirs with the well-known features Best Win and Best Catch. These show the greatest single-spin win amount and the largest multipliers achieved.
Vasili Pauliuchenko, Game Producer at BGaming, said, “The original Fishing Club title is one of players’ most-loved #Casual games by BGaming. Having listened to their feedback, we are taking them back to the open waters in Fishing Club 2 with a few pivotal updates.
We love to give our players more control over how they play, and that is on full display with Fishing Club 2. They can decide when and where they fish and what tools to use for most successful angling. We are sure that such personalization will be a hit with the game’s fans and those new to the series.”
The post Hook Huge Rewards in Fishing Club 2 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
-
Latest News6 days agoELA Games Contributes to Discussions on Scalable iGaming Ecosystems and Studio Innovation at HIPTHER Prague Summit
-
Brazil7 days agoBrazil advances integrity agenda amid strong market growth
-
Brasil7 days agoBrasil impulsa su agenda de integridad en un contexto de fuerte crecimiento del mercado
-
Brazil6 days agoBrazil advances integrity agenda amid strong market growth
-
América Latina6 days agoBiS SiGMA South America by Softswiss reúne autoridades do esporte, mídia e apostas esportivas
-
Behind the Game6 days agoBehind the Game: Retention That Drives Revenue
-
Behind the Game6 days agoBehind the Game: Retention That Drives Revenue
-
Game Development6 days agoWeekend Reels: Slot Drops & Trends Shaping the Market



