Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

AMCRS HEROES at Gamescom 2026

This year, five indie studios from Baden-Württemberg will showcase their games at the Indie Arena Booth (Hall 10.2) at Gamescom, taking place in Cologne from August 26-30, 2026. Among them is our AMCRS member Mucks! Games, presenting their atmospheric detective point-and-click adventure “Frieda is Changing“. Learn more about “Frieda is Changing”

Frieda is Changing, Mucks! Games
The THE LÄND booth at the Indie Arena Booth in the entertainment area of Gamescom 2025. | © MFG Baden-Württemberg / Tobias Vollmer

Also exhibiting at the THE LÄND booth at the Indie Arena Booth are Games2Beat Studio with “Beats of Betrayal”, Jam Jar Jet with “Skapheim: The Tenth Realm”, julien & ērika with “Little Chef: Cozy Cooking”, and Sharkbomb Studios with “Crownbreakers”.

Furthermore, Kaleidoscube will present their game “Recur” at the Indie Arena Booth.

Find out more about the Indie Arena Booth 2026 here.

Since 2013, MFG has also organized the Baden-Württemberg state joint pavilion THE LÄND in the business area (Hall 4.1, Stand C51). The booth gives exhibiting companies and institutions the opportunity to present their latest developments to an international trade audience and connect with the global games industry. This year, eight companies are represented: Bruce B. (Stuttgart), Cozy Cabbage Studio (Waiblingen), ENSO (Heidelberg), kr3m. media (Karlsruhe), Myriad Tales (Tübingen), Phantom Island (Ludwigsburg), StickyStoneStudio (Gundelfingen), and Walk The Frog (Ludwigsburg).

Learn more about the Gamescom Business Area here.

Sources: mfg.de, games-bw.mfg.de

Booths featuring AMCRS members (companies, universities, and institutions):

Kickstarter campaign launched for “Frieda is Changing”

Mucks! Games, award-winning three-person and female-led indie studio from Ludwigsburg, launched the Kickstarter campaign for their second title “Frieda is Changing”. A detective point & click adventure set in the isolated island village of Rausching, “Frieda is Changing” follows a young girl determined to uncover the truth behind her sister’s disappearance. But as she digs deeper, something inside her begins to change. Can the players solve the mystery before Frieda transforms into a werewolf under the next full moon?

Blending emotional storytelling with eerie atmosphere, the game explores themes of grief, anger, and transformation. Its distinct hand-drawn visual style, mirroring 90s cartoons, brings Rausching to life as a place filled with strange glances, quiet tension, and secrets lurking beneath the surface. “We wanted to create a story that feels personal, unsettling, and honest,” says the team at Mucks! Games. “Frieda is a character who doesn’t let things go – and that makes her both powerful and dangerous. The game is about what happens when emotions you’ve tried to bury refuse to stay hidden.”

The Kickstarter campaign launched on June 2, 2026, will run for 30 days with a 15.000 Euro funding goal. This will support the final stages of development, allowing the team to expand the game’s narrative depth, collaborate with additional writers, composers, and sound designers. “Frieda is Changing” is planned to release late 2026. A free demo is available on Steam.

Kickstarter Page | Steam Page | Website

Gameplay Screenshots

Studio Seufz’ Lucky Tower Ultimate released!

Our CREATORS at Studio Seufz released their game “Lucky Tower Ultimate” (publisher AMC)! After five years of development, a successful Early Access phase came to an end on April 16, with over 1,600 positive reviews on Steam.

“Lucky Tower Ultimate” (genre: Roguelite, available on PC, Apple, Linux, and Nintendo Switch) takes players on an adventure with the narcissistic knight Von Wanst as he finds himself zapped into the perplexing Tower with no armor, weapons, or clear path to escape. The original Lucky Tower games were a two-part flash game series, first released in 2010, and the sequel released in 2012. “Lucky Tower Ultimate” is the first premium title in the cult classic series and beckons seasoned fans and new players alike to experience the unique pleasure of getting all geared up… just to slip on a banana peel and die.

“Lucky Tower Ultimate” has already picked up several awards, including “Best Game Mechanic” at GermanDevDays 2025, “Best Quirky & Funny Game” from the Indie Arena at Gamescom 2023, and an Honorable Mention at AMAZE 2024. The game was supported by MFG Baden-Württemberg / Games BW, the Creative Europe Programme – MEDIA, and the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action.

Congratulations to Benedikt Hummel (Game Design & Animation), Anselm Pyta (Game Design & Art), Stefan Michel (Executive Producer), as well as to everyone else involved (among them many Animationsinstitut alumni)!

Lucky Tower Ultimate | More information & credits | Steam | Nintendo

Lucky Tower Ultimate – Release Trailer

Indie Arena Booth at Gamescom 2026 – Apply Now!

Indie game studios from Baden-Württemberg can now apply for one of five spots at the THE LÄND booth within the Indie Arena Booth at Gamescom in Cologne (August 26-30, 2026). MFG Baden-Württemberg is once again supporting with exclusive spaces at the Indie Arena Booth. All indie game studios based in Baden-Württemberg are eligible to apply – regardless of whether they have received funding from Games BW (by the way: the next submission deadline is July 30, 2026!). The Indie Arena is considered the platform with the highest visitor reach for independent developers at Gamescom.

The THE LÄND booth at the Indie Arena Booth in the entertainment area of Gamescom 2025. | © MFG Baden-Württemberg / Tobias Vollmer

After the application deadline, an expert jury will decide which studios are selected. Particular emphasis will be placed on the quality and innovative potential of the submitted games.

At last year’s Gamescom, the THE LÄND booth was presented for the first time at the Indie Arena Booth. Four indie studios from Baden-Württemberg showcased their games there (including two AMCRS members, kaleidoscube and Studio Seufz):

  • “Morriton Manor Stories: Nordic Whispers” by Application Systems Heidelberg (Heidelberg)
  • “RECUR” by kaleidoscube (Stuttgart)
  • “Lucky Tower Ultimate” by Studio Seufz (Stuttgart)
  • “Walk The Frog” by Walk the Frog (Ludwigsburg)

Apply now until April 13, 2026! More information & application

Sources: MFG Kreativ | MFG News

THE LÄND joint stand at the Nordic Game 2026 and the Gamescom 2026

MFG Baden-Württemberg offers companies and developers from the games and digital industries the opportunity to present themselves to an international professional audience under the umbrella of “THE LÄND – Games & Virtual Worlds Made in Baden-Württemberg.” Exhibition spaces are available at the THE LÄND joint stand at Gamescom in Cologne – and, for the first time, also at Nordic Game in Malmö.

THE LÄND joint stand at Gamescom 2025, © Tobias Vollmer Fotografie

From August 26 to 28, 2026, the THE LÄND joint stand at Gamescom in Cologne will showcase games, interactive media, and VR/XR applications from Baden-Württemberg. Gamescom is the world’s largest event for computer and video games and Europe’s leading business platform for the industry: in 2025, it welcomed 357,000 visitors from nearly 130 countries, including more than 34,000 trade visitors and 1,568 exhibitors. Located in the business area of the exhibition grounds, the THE LÄND stand offers prominent visibility, the opportunity to host individual events such as press conferences, and – thanks to shared infrastructure – significantly less organizational effort compared to a standalone presence. In cooperation with Baden-Württemberg International and the K³ Kultur- und Kreativwirtschaftsbüro Karlsruhe, participants can expect a program featuring networking opportunities and visits from political decision-makers. Companies, developers, and institutions from the games, media, and digital industries are invited to apply – particularly projects with a focus on VR, AR, XR, and UX. Full details on participation at Gamescom and the application form are available online.

From May 26 to 29, 2026, Baden-Württemberg will participate in Nordic Game in Malmö for the first time – one of Europe’s most important games conferences. Five indie game studios from the state will receive a place at the THE LÄND stand to present their games to an international audience, pitch to publishers, and establish business contacts. This is made possible through cooperation with Baden-Württemberg International. What sets Nordic Game apart: it is smaller than Gamescom, but more focused and intensive. International publishers attend in person, and the formats are tailored to targeted business development within the European market. MFG Baden-Württemberg will also organize an international networking reception in Malmö and offer a preparatory workshop including professional publisher pitch training. Further information on participation in Nordic Game and the application form can be found online.

Applications for both trade fairs are open until March 15, 2026. Application for Gamescom and Nordic Game

Source: MFG Baden-Württemberg

GGJ goes THE LÄND: Kokolores Ludwigsburg

Global Game Jam goes THE LÄND 2026 – From January 26 to February 1, 2026, it’s time to design, code, and create amazing things once again: the Global Game Jam, the world’s largest game event, is coming to THE LÄND! Game studios, companies, universities, associations, and (cultural) institutions in Baden-Württemberg are organizing their own “sites” – locations where local game jams take place – often in collaboration with other stakeholders from their region. GGJ goes THE LÄND is coordinated by MFG Baden-Württemberg & Games BW and funded by the Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst Baden-Württemberg, in partnership with game – Verband der deutschen Games-Branche e.V. Baden-Württemberg. The goal: to strengthen cooperation and expertise in game development, game design, and game art – regionally, interdisciplinarily, and across university and company boundaries.

The Kokolores Creative Collective e.V., in cooperation with the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg and the Wirtschaftsförderung Ludwigsburg, is also taking part. GGJ goes THE LÄND: Kokolores Ludwigsburg will take place from Monday, January 26 to Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the Filmgalerie of the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, Akademiehof 10, 71638 Ludwigsburg.
There are still free spots available. Registration and further information can be found here.

Poster GGJ goes THE LÄND – Kokolores Ludwigsburg

Further sites of GGJ goes THE LÄND (including Heilbronn, Karlsruhe, Heidelberg, and the Lake Constance region) can be found here: https://hola.mfg.de/

In addition, GGJ26 @ Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart will take place at the Stuttgart City Library with Chasing Carrots from Friday, January 30 to Sunday, February 1, 2026. Further information and registration can be found here.

Calls for Entries ITFS 2026 – German Animation Screenplay Award, Animated Games Award and Trickstar Business Award

The Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS) 2026 will take place from May 5 to 10, 2026. It focuses on artistic animated films and the promotion of young talent. In addition to the feature film competition (submission deadline January 15, 2026), additional categories are now open for submissions: the German Animation Screenplay Award, the Animated Games Award Germany, and the Trickstar Business Award.

The German Animation Screenplay Award recognises outstanding screenplays for feature-length animated films. The goal of the competition is to honor the central role of professional screenwriters in the creation of outstanding films and to encourage the development of exceptional stories for animated films.

The Award for the Best Screenplay for a Feature-Length Animated Film comes with €2,500, sponsored by the Animation Media Creators Region Stuttgart (AMCRS).

The Award for the Screenplay with the Greatest International Market Potential is endowed with €2,500, sponsored by our CREATORS from SOLA MEDIA.

For the best screenplay award submissions are possible in German and English, for the market potential award submissions are only possible in English. 
Submission Deadline: February 1, 2026 | Regulations | Submit here

The two awards will be presented on May 7, 2026, as part of the AniX Awards.

Stefanie Larson with Peter Keydel, Producer of the Best Screenplay at ITFS 2025, “Miss December and the Moon Clan”
Jens Opatz (Authors) and Matthias Drescher (Author, Producer): Winner Screenplay with the Greatest International Market Potential ITFS 2025, “Nessie Junior“

The Animated Games Award Germany is endowed with €5,000 and is sponsored by MFG Baden-Württemberg. It targets developers of high-quality video games who have their primary or secondary residence in Germany.

Eligible for submission are completed games for commercially available platforms that were released after January 1, 2025. The top five games will be nominated for the GameZone and showcased to the public during the event.
Submission Deadline: February 15, 2026 |  Regulations | Submit here

The Trickstar Business Award honours the best innovative and groundbreaking business model for a particular project or a company in the field of animation. The prize of €7,500 is sponsored by the Verband Region Stuttgart and will be awarded on May 7, 2026, as part of the AniX Awards.

Submission Deadline: February 25, 2026 | Regulations | Submit here

Winner Animated Games Award ITFS 2025: Slow Bros. GmbH with “Harold Halibut“
Winners AniX Award ITFS 2025, all photos: Reiner Pfisterer

Panel Discussion: Gaming@Museum

© MFG Baden-Württemberg

Games and other playful formats create connections – and open up new opportunities for museums in terms of education and participation. With the panel discussion “Gaming@Museum – neue Spielräume für Co-Creation?” on November 12, 2025, 18:00 CET, MFG Baden-Württemberg is highlighting the potential of games for culture as part of the Level Up! Gamification im Museum program. The focus lies on the question of how museums can become more open and co-creative spaces.

Actors from museums, academia, cultural policy, media education, and the games and creative industries will discuss playful formats for culture as well as the opportunities and challenges of cooperation. Taking part in the discussion are:

  • State Secretary Arne Braun (Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst BW)
  • Kevin Körner (Lecturer Digital Humanities, Universität Tübingen)
  • Jonas Kirchner (Managing Director Pixelcloud)
  • Laura Schuppli (Curator of Digital Media at the Stadtmuseum Aarau & Co-Founder Spielekultur GmbH)
  • Dejan Simonović (Media Education Officer ComputerSpielSchule Stuttgart)

Moderation: Tina Lorenz (Head of Hertzlab, ZKM Karlsruhe) 

Afterwards, MFG invites attendees to a reception for networking and exchange. Previously, starting at 16:00 CET, visitors can explore and try out different video game genres and consoles – guided by puzzle designer and game author Annekatrin Baumann.

Venue: Literaturhaus Stuttgart, 1. OG
Breitscheidstraße 4
70174 Stuttgart

Registration until November 11, 2025

Source and more information

Pre-Fixe with Animation Lounge – Mucks! Games

Together with the Film- und Medienfestival gGmbH (organizer of Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film) and the AMCRS, MFG organizes the Pre Fixe with Animation Lounge as a prelude to the monthly network meeting of the film industry (Jour Fixe). Speakers from the animation film scene present practical examples of current projects and provide insights into their work.

The next Animation Lounge will take place on Monday, November 10, 2025, 18:00 CET. Under the title “Making Meaningful Games – Social Impact without the Seriousness,” the founders of Mucks! Games will talk about their studio and the games they create.

About Mucks! Games: We are a weird bunch of creatives located in Ludwigsburg, Germany. After working together on games and interactive installations during our studies at Animationsinstitut in Ludwigsburg, we decided to start something all our own. A place to show our unique visual style, to tell stories that go deep and create experiences with an impact. We want to make meaningful, beautiful games that stay with you, long after you have turned off the screen.

The event will take place at the Kulturzentrum Merlin, Augustenstraße 72, 70178 Stuttgart. Admission is free.

All participants are cordially invited to attend the subsequent MFG Jour Fixe from 19:00 CET. The Jour Fixe offers a unique opportunity for exchange and networking with colleagues from the MFG Film Funding Unit.

More information

Open Stage Games BW, September 24, 2025

Whether independent developer studios or large publishers, recent graduates or recruiters looking for artists and graphic designers – the diverse players in the games industry have the opportunity to exchange ideas at Open Stage Games BW. The open stage character also gives everyone the opportunity to bring their concerns to the stage.

The next Open Stage Games BW will take place on September 24, 2025 from 19:00 to 22:00 CET in Karlsruhe (Alte Hackerei, Alter Schlachthof 11a, 76131 Karlsruhe).

Part of the program is an impulse talk from the games industry: Dominik Schön, kaleidoscube GmbH, will share his experiences with the Indie Arena Booth and the Business Area at Gamescom 2025.

Dominik Schön at Gamescom
(all photos: THE LÄND @ Gamescom 2025 (c) Tobias Vollmer)
State Secretary Dr. Patrick Rapp and MFG Managing Director Carl Bergengruen at the Kaleidoscube booth in the Indie Area
The Kaleidoscube team at the THE LÄND joint booth

After the talk, the stage will – as always – be open to everyone. Do you have a topic, or would you like to present yourself, your team, or your project? Feel free to decide spontaneously during the event and simply sign up on site.

During the networking session that follows, you can connect over drinks and snacks, showcase your games, and exchange ideas.

Target group: Cultural and creative professionals, founders, freelancers, and small business owners from the games sector as well as the wider cultural and creative industries.

Participation is free of charge. Registration is required by September 23. More information and registration here

The Open Stage Games BW is jointly organized by MFG Baden-Württemberg, game Baden-Württemberg, CyberForum, the K³ Kultur- und Kreativwirtschaftsbüro Karlsruhe, and the Film Commission Region Stuttgart, and is funded by the Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst Baden-Württemberg

Games BW: https://games-bw.mfg.de/

Source: MFG Baden-Württemberg