Conference
Designing Spaces
LÄND-made
ON SITE
Turm Aalen
Tuesday, May 06, 10:00
Founding and Funding an Indie Game Studio
Video on demand
This presentation sheds light on the founding and financing of an indie game studio in Baden-Württemberg / Germany.
>> Insights from Kaleidoscube
The indie game studio Kaleidoscube from Stuttgart shares its experiences from its founding after graduation to the successful implementation of games such as ‘A Juggler's Tale’ and ‘RECUR’ (currently in production). The team reports on the use of various support programmes, including MFG, BWMK and Epic MegaGrants, which have contributed significantly to the development. Strategies for bridging financial dry spells and long-term financing plans for portfolio development will also be presented.
>> Funding opportunities through MFG Baden-Württemberg and Games BW
MFG Baden-Württemberg presents the Games BW funding programme, which supports developers of digital games and interactive media projects. Concept and prototype development as well as production are funded with grants and interest-free loans of up to 500,000 euros. The programme aims to strengthen the games industry in the state and realise innovative projects.
The presentation is aimed at aspiring developers and founders, as well as anyone interested in gaining insights into funding opportunities and the practical implementation of a game studio.
Dominik Schön, Managing Director & Game Designer, kaleidoscube
My journey into game development started during school, when I started to develop and release my own mobile games. After my studies in the field of interactive media at Animationsinstitut of Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg I founded my own game studio together with two of my fellow students. With some luck, we released the critically acclaimed video game "A Juggler's Tale" for PC and Console in 2021. Since then we are working on new projects.
I take care of game design, programming, producing and business development at our company. That includes trying to find funding for our projects and planning our cashflow and income streams.
Iris Harr, project manager Games BW, MFG Medien- und Filmgesellschaft Baden-Württemberg
I have been the contact person for the games industry at MFG since 2016. MFG Baden-Württemberg supports developers and games companies in south-west Germany and, under the Games BW label, offers funding programmes, networking and placement services for the games industry, among other things.
Stephanie Lang, COO, Super Crowd Entertainment GmbH
With over 15 years of experience in the games industry, I bring deep expertise and a strong passion for fostering and connecting creative projects.
For the past five years, I have been part of the team at Super Crowd in Hamburg, shaping innovative events around gaming. With the Indie Arena Booth, we manage the largest indie developer stand at gamescom, the world's biggest gaming trade fair. Additionally, we organize the Polaris Con, a festival combining gaming, Asian fan culture, cosplay, and board games, in collaboration with Messe Hamburg. My focus is on business development and financing to bring creative projects to life.
Prior to this, I spent five years at the Game Association in Berlin, where I played a key role in member services and funding programs. My topics include the merger of the Game and BIU associations, the establishment of a comprehensive member services program covering topics such as startups, funding, discounts, and webinars, as well as the organization of focus groups on workforce development, serious games, and funding opportunities.
My professional journey began at the Medien- und Filmgesellschaft Baden-Württemberg, where I worked for nine years in the games funding unit. During this time, I spearheaded the development of networks and funding structures, laying the groundwork for sustainable growth in the industry.