German Computer Game Award - newcomer prizes
Deutscher Computerspielpreis - Nachwuchspreise (Bester Prototyp, Bestes Debüt)
2026: Best Prototype EUR 50,000 (other 4 nominees EUR 25,000 each); Best Debut EUR 60,000 (other 2 nominees EUR 25,000 each); EUR 800,000 across 15 categories. Provided by BMFTR and Free State of Bavaria.
Check if you qualify for German Computer Game Award - newcomer prizes
Answer a few questions about you and your project. The co-pilot opens German Computer Game Award - newcomer prizes for you and shows what already fits, what blocks you and what to do next.
- Concrete reasons, not a score
- Deadline and first steps
- Other programs that fit you
Key facts
- Amount
- 2026: Best Prototype EUR 50,000 (other 4 nominees EUR 25,000 each); Best Debut EUR 60,000 (other 2 nominees EUR 25,000 each); EUR 800,000 across 15 categories
- Duration
- prize money must be used within 2 years on the prototype or a new game
- Type
- Prize
- Who receives it
- Founder or team
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayable
- No
- Stages
- Prototype, Pre-revenue, Revenue
- Solo founders
- Yes
- Full-time required
- No
- Company required
- No
- University link required
- No
- Application languages
- DE
- Location
- At least 80% of development done in Germany
Who can apply
- Best Prototype: students, student spin-offs, newcomer or hobby teams that have not commercially released a game; unpublished prototype (free itch.io-style releases allowed)
- Best Debut: studio's first relevant commercial release within the eligibility window
- At least 80% developed in Germany
- Prize money split 70% studio / 30% publisher; proof of use required
What usually blocks applicants
- Not a game project
- Game commercially released outside the window
- Development mostly outside Germany
Deadline and timing
Annual; the 2026 submission window was 5-23 Jan 2026. Dates for 2027 not yet published.
Frequently asked
How much does German Computer Game Award - newcomer prizes pay?
2026: Best Prototype EUR 50,000 (other 4 nominees EUR 25,000 each); Best Debut EUR 60,000 (other 2 nominees EUR 25,000 each); EUR 800,000 across 15 categories
Who can apply for German Computer Game Award - newcomer prizes?
Stages: prototype, pre-revenue, revenue. Solo founders can apply. You can apply before registering a company. Location: At least 80% of development done in Germany. The full list of conditions is under Who can apply above.
When is the German Computer Game Award - newcomer prizes deadline?
Annual; the 2026 submission window was 5-23 Jan 2026. Dates for 2027 not yet published.
Where do I apply for German Computer Game Award - newcomer prizes?
On the official page: https://deutscher-computerspielpreis.de/. Applications are accepted in DE.
Do I have to pay back German Computer Game Award - newcomer prizes or give up equity?
No, it does not have to be paid back. It takes no equity.
Can solo founders apply for German Computer Game Award - newcomer prizes?
Yes, solo founders can apply.
Sources and verification
Checked on 19 October 2026. Most facts read from the official source; some details need confirmation. This page is orientation, not an eligibility decision.
More funding in Germany (nationwide)
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- KfW Award for Founders2026 round: EUR 1,000 per state winner, EUR 9,000 for the federal winner, EUR 5,000 succession special prize, EUR 5,000 public-vote prize (EUR 35,000 in total)
- EXIST Business Start-up GrantPer person per month for 12 months: EUR 3,000 (PhD), 2,500 (graduates), 2,000 (vocational qualification), 1,000 (students); + EUR 150 per child; + materials up to EUR 10,000 (solo) or 30,000 (team); + EUR 5,000 coaching
- EXIST WomenEUR 2,000 material budget per participant plus mentoring, workshops and coaching; some participants also get a stipend of up to 3 months (EUR 1,000 to 3,000/month by qualification, + EUR 150 per child), at the host's discretion
- Start-up Subsidy (Gründungszuschuss)6 months: last ALG I amount + EUR 300/month for social insurance; then optionally 9 months EUR 300/month (separate application). Tax-free
- Entry Allowance for Self-Employment (Einstiegsgeld)Set case by case on top of Grundsicherungsgeld: base up to 50% of the standard rate (up to about EUR 281/month for a single person, 2026 rate EUR 563), plus 20% if unemployed 2+ years and 10% per extra household member; capped at the full standard rate. Alternatively a flat rate of up to 75% of the standard rate without supplements. Up to 24 months