Computerspieleförderung

Computerspieleförderung is a nationwide grant programme for the development of computer games. It is awarded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR); applications are processed by DLR Projektträger. The programme has been running since September 2020 and pays out the funding as a non-repayable grant.

Unlike many funding programmes in the cultural sector, Computerspieleförderung finances the development of marketable games directly. It covers the path from the prototype to the finished title. The programme is therefore a production instrument and not a loan programme. You do not take out a loan for it.

The biggest advantage is the amount. Since 2026, the federal government funds a single project with up to €8 million. Previously this limit was €2 million. Even a large project can therefore be financed in a single application.

Companies in the games industry registered in Germany are eligible to apply. Start-ups, SMEs and large companies can apply for the grant. Your company size therefore does not matter, but your registered office and the size of your project do. Young start-ups up to three years after incorporation are expressly included.

Project size is the hard entry condition. Your project must amount to at least €300,000. Add up personnel, subcontracts, licences and the other eligible costs for this. If the total is below that, the project is too small for this programme. Check this figure before you go into preparing an application.

Games that glorify violence and gambling are not funded.

The development of computer games is funded in two stages. The first stage is the conception and development of a prototype. The second stage is production through to a market-ready game. Both the early testing of your game idea and its subsequent implementation are therefore funded. Ports to further platforms and substantial expansions of existing titles are eligible as well.

Within your project, personnel costs, licences and rights of use, subcontracts to external service providers, testing procedures and beta tests as well as community management all count. Marketing measures, trailers, trade fair appearances, travel, legal advice, server infrastructure and hardware are recognised too.

Two conditions on content are added: your game must pass the cultural test and receive an age rating under the Youth Protection Act. Both points concern the game itself and not your company.

You receive a grant towards your eligible costs. It is non-repayable, so you do not pay the money back.

The size of your company determines your funding rate. Young start-ups up to three years after incorporation receive up to 50% of the development costs. Small and medium-sized enterprises receive up to 45%. Large companies receive up to 25%.

The funding amount follows from your eligible costs and this rate. Per project it is capped at €8 million. A larger project budget increases the grant only up to this limit. Work out early, therefore, which rate applies to you and which costs you can claim.