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Games Lift 2025: Hamburg Incubator Supports Five new Developer Teams
Five teams have convinced the Games Lift awarding committee of the potential of their game projects. On September 8, the Games Lift incubator will launch its next round, supporting teams with a one-year workshop and mentoring program featuring input from international industry experts and 15,000 euros in financial support. More than 30 experts from the Games Lift Network will share their experience with the teams and provide professional and tailored support for the game projects. In addition to the extensive exchange, mentoring, and many workshops, the teams will travel to an international industry event together. This combination of benefits makes Games Lift unique as an incubator for games in Germany. The Games Lift Incubator is organized and run by Gamecity Hamburg on behalf of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.
In its sixth year since its introduction, a total of 43 teams and solo developers applied to participate in the Games Lift Incubator – more than twice as many as in previous years. The decision on the five participating teams was made by the award committee, consisting of Kristin von der Wense (Publishing Producer, Daedalic Entertainment), Ole Schaper (Managing Director, The Sandbox Hamburg (Sviper GmbH)), Heiko Gogolin (Managing Director, Rocket Beans Entertainment), and Tobias Graff (Co-Founder Mooneye Studios).
Margarete Schneider, Project Manager at Gamecity Hamburg and also part of the selection committee, said: “We are delighted about the rising awareness and popularity of Games Lift – this year we received applications from seven countries and three continents. However, we also see the growing demand as a sign that, in the current industry situation, low-threshold support programs such as the Games Lift Incubator are becoming even more important. We are therefore very pleased to accompany five Hamburg teams on their way to the successful release of their first title.”
The five games and teams for the Games Lift Incubator 2025 are:
- The Wrong Horse by Sharon Sacks & Vincent Will
- Encaged and Ungraded by Leif Gutowski
- Fading Skies by Distant Blue
- Phasmopass by Curio Compass
- Project: Slimepot by Calluna Games
The Wrong Horse is a colorful murder mystery adventure set at a horse racing track. As a journalist, it is the player’s task to uncover the secrets surrounding the mysterious death of a jockey and identify the perpetrator.
Encaged and Ungraded is a mixture of anomaly horror and job simulation. A shady company forces players into the role of a card grader, where they check various cards for authenticity and quality. But soon, players find themselves searching for eerie and dangerous anomalies – and hopefully they can make it through to the end of their shift.
Fading Skies revives the charm of the PS2 and GameCube era by combining classic 3D platforming with modern action RPG elements. As Ryn, a young woman accompanied by a small magical dragon, players travel through a broken world full of secrets. The mission is to stop the planet’s decay and confront the shadows of a forgotten past.
Phasmopass is a turn-based roguelite. Players lead a team of humans trapped in a never-ending volleyball reality show against ghostly opponents. Powerful items and pacts with other ghosts help players win tournaments to escape the dystopian city of Limbo!
Project: Slimepot (working title) is an action-adventure game in which players explore a dungeon full of monsters, turn them into dishes, and serve them to guests in their tavern. Here, exciting dungeon crawling meets creative cooking and relaxed tavern management.
The post Games Lift 2025: Hamburg Incubator Supports Five new Developer Teams appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Galaxsys Joins Forces with First Look Games to Boost Global Reach
Fast and slot games developer Galaxsys taps into First Look Games’ affiliate network to drive growth across key markets.
First Look Games, the London-based B2B platform that helps game studios connect with over 1,000 trusted publishers, has teamed up with award-winning fast and slot game developer Galaxsys to bring its entire portfolio to a global audience.
Thanks to the new partnership, Galaxsys’ fast, slot, and skill games—including hits like Tower Rush and Olympian Legends — are now available to First Look Games’ network of more than 1000 affiliate publishers, reaching over 20 million players across Europe, LatAm, and Asia.
Affiliates will get exclusive access to game assets, certified marketing materials, and playable demos through First Look’s platform, making it easier than ever to promote Galaxsys’ high-performance titles.
Tom Galanis, CEO at First Look Games, said: “Fast games are having a real moment right now, and Galaxsys is right at the heart of that trend. Their titles not only grab players’ attention but keep them coming back. It’s exactly the kind of content our publishers love.”
Teni Grigoryan, Chief Sales and Partner Management Officer at Galaxsys, commented: “Partnering with First Look Games is a great opportunity for us to put our games in front of a wider global audience. Their platform gives affiliates everything they need to promote our titles effectively, from marketing tools to demo access. We’re excited to work with a partner that truly knows how to amplify a studio’s presence in the market.”
Galaxsys enters the partnership with strong industry momentum, having recently picked up several major awards. Known for its focus on skill-driven, short-format gameplay, the studio is tapping into a growing player demand for fast, engaging experiences that offer more than just chance.
First Look Games, meanwhile, continues to be the go-to platform for game studios looking to scale their affiliate marketing. To date, the company has helped over 50 studios extend their reach and level up the quality of their campaigns.
The post Galaxsys Joins Forces with First Look Games to Boost Global Reach appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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GambleAware Statement on the New Statutory Gambling Harms System and the Future of the Charity
The transition to the new statutory gambling harms system is well underway and ahead of this process reaching completion on 1 April 2026, GambleAware’s Chair of trustees, Andy Boucher, and Baroness Twycross, the Minister for Gambling, have issued the following statements:
Andy Boucher, Chair of trustees, GambleAware has said: “The introduction of the new statutory levy and the appointment of the three new commissioners for gambling harms research, prevention and treatment means that, as expected, the work historically delivered by GambleAware will now transition to the UK government and new commissioners across England, Scotland and Wales. We have advocated for the introduction of a statutory system for many years and are proud of our contribution to its implementation. Alongside this, we are also proud of the impact GambleAware’s prevention and treatment activity has had in supporting tens of thousands of people over the years, through our national campaigns and our commissioned partners, including the National Gambling Support Network. Recognising the change across the system, trustees have decided that GambleAware, the charity, will work towards a managed closure by 31 March 2026.
“We remain committed to fulfilling existing commissioning agreements until the new system is in place by April 2026. Our main priority continues to be keeping people safe from gambling harm and to ensure stability and continuity for our beneficiaries as the new commissioners take over. The GambleAware website and critical prevention resources continue to provide accessible support for all.
“Over the years, GambleAware and many third-sector partners have worked closely with the lived experience community to deliver a range of effective, evidence-based services. The National Gambling Support Network has been a cornerstone of this effort, supporting thousands of people annually. GambleAware’s national prevention programmes have also provided crucial advice, tools and support to millions of people in order to reduce gambling harm. Myself and other trustees are incredibly proud of the successful work that has been delivered over the years and the impact it has had across Great Britain.
“Since 2017, GambleAware has championed the development of a statutory, public health-led system to address gambling harm. We welcome this new era in which gambling harms are recognised alongside other public health issues and are funded through a statutory levy. As we enter the final phase of our commissioning work, we urge NHS England, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, UK Research and Innovation, and the appropriate bodies in Scotland and Wales to build upon the current system’s achievements and insights to ensure learnings are carried forward.
“On behalf of the entire Board of trustees, I would like to also recognise the unwavering commitment and drive of the GambleAware staff, leadership team and Lived Experience Council. Their collective work over the years has played a pivotal role in advancing efforts to reduce and prevent harm across Great Britain.”
Minister for Gambling, Baroness Twycross, said: “GambleAware and others across the third sector, including the National Gambling Support Network, have worked with tireless commitment over the years to commission and deliver effective services for people experiencing gambling-related harm.
“As the new statutory gambling levy system comes into effect, managing a smooth and stable transition is an absolute priority, and we are taking significant steps to maintain service provision. The new levy system will build on the successes of the current system to improve and expand efforts to further understand, tackle and treat harmful gambling.
“I want to thank GambleAware and all their staff for their efforts to support those in need across our country.”
The post GambleAware Statement on the New Statutory Gambling Harms System and the Future of the Charity appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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BetMakers Partners with The Bookie Group
BetMakers Technology Group has entered into a partnership with The Bookie Group (TBG), who announced the appointment of veteran wagering executive Jason Scott as part of their growth and brand expansion strategy.
Scott, formerly CEO of Racing Queensland and a senior executive with Entain and BetMGM, brings a wealth of global racing and sports betting experience to TBG. His arrival marks a significant step as the group accelerates development of its multi-brand strategy, building on the early success of PonyBet, currently live and trading in the Australian market.
TBG’s growth is underpinned by its strategic partnership with BetMakers Technology Group, leveraging the newly launched Apollo platform to deliver highly personalised, agile wagering experiences.
“The early success of PonyBet on the Apollo platform has been fantastic to see and a great endorsement of the BetMakers solution. We’re excited to partner closely with Jason, Brian and the TBG team as they execute on their vision for a dynamic, multi-brand wagering business,” said Martin Tripp, Chief Operating Officer at BetMakers Technology Group.
“I’ve been incredibly impressed with the Apollo platform and the team behind it. The technology gives us the flexibility to move fast and innovate, and I’m excited to work with BetMakers to deliver unique and engaging products that modern punters are looking for,” said Jason Scott.
TBG has plans to launch several new betting brands throughout 2025 and 2026, focusing on personalisation, entertainment, and operational excellence. With Scott at the helm and BetMakers providing the technology backbone, the group is well-positioned to deliver differentiated products to market at speed and scale.
The post BetMakers Partners with The Bookie Group appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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