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Open Stage Games BW on September 23, 2026

Photo: Games BW, MFG

Whether independent game studios or major publishers, recent graduates or recruiters looking for artists and graphic designers: at Open Stage Games BW, a wide range of players from the games industry have the opportunity to exchange ideas and, following an industry talk, bring their topics to the stage. Open Stage Games BW takes place four times a year, alternating between Stuttgart, Karlsruhe and online.

The next event is coming to Stuttgart on September 23, 2026. It will feature an industry talk: “Ressourceneffizientes Game Development – Benefits & How To” by Oliver Stock (Walk The Frog). Oliver is co-founder of Ludwigsburg-based indie studio Walk The Frog. The studio is currently working on its eponymous cozy puzzle game Walk The Frog. His interest in environmental activism and resource-efficient game development motivated him to develop the Energy Saving Plugin for Unity for SGA.

Against the backdrop of increasing budget pressures and rising resource consumption worldwide, taking a strategic approach to resources is becoming increasingly important in game development, too. A better understanding of how a studio and its games use energy and other resources can help increase operational efficiency while reducing costs and emissions. This talk provides insights into opportunities for resource optimization for developers and industry-wide knowledge sharing. It explores how studios can optimize their resource consumption, make data-driven decisions and develop more efficient processes – with positive impacts on both the player experience and the business.

Following the talk, the stage will once again be open to everyone. Do you have a topic you’d like to share, or would you like to introduce yourself, your team or your project? Just make up your mind during the event and sign up on the spot. Want to have your game tested on site? Bring your laptop and get direct feedback from industry professionals at the testing station. Afterwards, you can connect and exchange ideas over drinks and snacks during the networking session.

Ahead of Open Stage, from 15:30 to 18:30 CET, there will be a tutorial on federal game funding. Find more information and register here: https://mfg.de/va/tutorial-2309 

Date: September 23, 2026, 19:00 to 22:00 CET, Venue: Impact Hub Stuttgart, Quellenstraße 7a, 70376 Stuttgart

The event is free of charge. Registration is required by September 22, 2026. Registration

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

Sources and further information: Games BW | MFG BW

German Reception at Annecy Festival 2026

A few days ago, the Festival d’Animation Annecy (June 13 to 19, 2026) came to a close, with numerous people and projects from the AMCRS in attendance.

The German Reception by the lake, organized by MFG Filmförderung Baden-Württemberg in collaboration with German Films, Animation Germany, Animation Association Germany, AG Kurzfilm – Bundesverband Deutscher Kurzfilm, Animation Media Creators Region Stuttgart, Animation Production Days, FMX, Animationsinstitut of Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, Film und Medienstiftung NRW, Mitteldeutsche Medienförderung and ITFS, brought together filmmakers, representatives of film institutions, and many more. The stage program was hosted by Jan Pinkava, Director of the Animationsinstitut.

What a beautiful summer event! Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who helped organize the German Reception, and to everyone who joined us. We truly enjoyed the many wonderful conversations and the chance to spend such a lovely afternoon together.

Annecy Filmfestival: https://www.annecyfestival.com/en

Impressions Annecy 2026, German Reception, all photos: Rémi TISSOT

Pre Fixe with Animation Lounge – Monster Mia

Together with the Film- und Medienfestival gGmbH (organizer of Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film) and the AMCRS, the 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.

Monster Mia

On Monday, July 13, 2026, at 18.00 CET, the topic will be “MONSTER MIA – von der Filmakademie an die Finsterwald Akademie in 27 Jahren“ (MONSTER MIA – From the Filmakademie to the Rottwich Academy in 27 Years).

It all began in 1997 at the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg: a chance encounter led to M.A.R.K.13™, which grew into a group of companies – and ultimately into MONSTER MIA, an international animated feature film with deep roots in the region.

Verena Fels (Director) and Dominique FLINX Schuchmann (Producer) – both alumni of Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg’s Animationsinstitut – will share the story of the film’s journey to the big screen. Joined by numerous artists from Baden-Württemberg and local partners such as Sola Media, they will provide insights into the making of the film, which is set to premiere just in time for Halloween 2026.

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.

MFG

Trailer Monster Mia

DOKVILLE 2026

DOKVILLE, the industry gathering hosted by the Haus des Dokumentarfilms, will take place this year on June 18 and 19 at Hospitalhof Stuttgart. The central theme of DOKVILLE 2026 is: DEMOKRATIE UNTER DRUCK – IST UNSERE ZIVILGESELLSCHAFT AM ENDE? (DEMOCRACY UNDER PRESSURE – IS OUR CIVIL SOCIETY COMING TO AN END?) Through keynotes, panels, and case studies, DOKVILLE will examine the growing threats facing democracy today. Those unable to attend in person can follow the event via livestream.

Civil societies around the world are increasingly under pressure. One consequence is a growing loss of trust in democratic institutions, a development that can now be observed in many countries. This erosion is being accelerated by aggressive populism spread through digital platforms, aimed at systematically destabilizing democratic norms. Strategically deployed disinformation and algorithm-driven manipulation of information undermine the credibility of reliable media and democratic discourse.

What responses can, and must, institutions committed to democracy find in the face of this radical questioning of our social order? How can our society continue to safeguard the rule of law and fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and freedom of the press? These questions will be discussed at DOKVILLE 2026 by renowned filmmakers, journalists, and experts from politics and academia.

Among the speakers providing key impulses on the topic are former German President Prof. Dr. Joachim Gauck as opening speaker, journalist and human rights activist Düzen Tekkal, Katharina Willinger, head of the ARD studios in Istanbul and Tehran, director Stephan Lamby, media executive Nathalie Wappler (Chair of the Medienrat), and Paul Ronzheimer of BILD.

For the third time, the industry event will also include the MFG-funded pitch format “Speed Dating,” giving directors the opportunity to present new projects and project ideas to commissioning editors from attending broadcasters.

Further information, program, and tickets: https://dokville.de/

Further Source: MFG

About Next Conference, June 13, 2026

As part of the About Pop Festival & Convention 2026 (June 12-13, 2026), About Next will take place on June 13 – a sub-conference bringing together the creative industries, start-ups, technology, and innovation.

About Next creates space for exchange, new collaborations, and fresh impulses between the creative scene, businesses, and the public sector. At its core are the opportunities of a strong regional innovation ecosystem in which creative and entrepreneurial skills work hand in hand. Expect panels, talks, workshops, and best-practice formats on current topics such as new business models, digital sovereignty, community building, and sustainable cultural work. About Next highlights how creative industries are increasingly becoming a driving force for transformation, economic development, and regional attractiveness. Following the program, a get-together in the networking area with food and drinks invites participants to connect and exchange ideas.

About Pop 2025, photo: Ilkay Karakurt

The format was initiated by Wirtschaftsförderung Region Stuttgart GmbH together with MFG Baden-Württemberg, the City of Stuttgart, and the companies HearDis!, and Gold und Wirtschaftswunder.

As part of About Next, MFG Baden-Württemberg will present the workshop “Creative Collaboration – Wie stärkt Brückenkompetenz cross-innovative Zusammenarbeit?“ featuring Mira Kleine, Project Manager for Entrepreneurial Action. The workshop explores how bridging competencies can strengthen collaboration across different disciplines and industries, with a focus on new perspectives for cross-innovative processes between the creative industries, technology, and other economic sectors.

Full program

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026, Doors open: 9:30 CET, Program: 10-18 CET | Location: HearDis! Space, Christophstraße 6, 70178 Stuttgart

Free convention tickets are available via this link. The ticket includes access to About Next as well as the convention programme on Friday. Optionally, the ticket can be upgraded to include the full About Pop program.

More information: About Next | About Pop

Animation Media Lounge 2026 on May 7, 2026

STUTTGART ANIMATED WEEK 2026 is just around the corner! Thanks to the event trio FMX – Film & Media Exchange 2026 (On-site: May 5-7, Online & On Campus: May 8), Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film 2026 (May 5-10), and Animation Production Days 2026 (May 5-7), Stuttgart is once again becoming a global hotspot for the animation and VFX industry.

And of course, no great week is complete without a proper celebration: We’re throwing a party for everyone attending the three events – and not just any party, but the “MASSIVE MEGALOMANIAC ROCKSTARLICIOUS MONSTER PARTY” aka Animation Media Lounge 2026 on May 7, 2026! Come by and celebrate with us!

When: May 7, 2026, starting at 21:30 CET
Where: Die Note, Berliner Platz 1, 70174 Stuttgart

Invitation Flyer

Pre Fixe with Animation Lounge – with Amelie Dillig

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, March 9, 2026, 18:00 CET. Under the title “Creating the VFX Of THE PENGUIN,” Amelie Dillig, Producer at Accenture Song Content Germany, talks about what it takes to create the visual effects for an award-winning show like “The Penguin.” In her presentation, Amelie Dillig explains how the VFX are produced from start to finish. Together with her, you can explore menacing cityscapes and examine how they were designed to fully immerse the audience in the world of Gotham City.

Amelie Dillig studied Audiovisual Media at HdM in Stuttgart from 2011 until 2015. She then started her career as a VFX Coordinator at Pixomondo and worked her way up to VFX Producer over the years. After more than six years, Amelie left Pixomondo and joined Accenture as a VFX Producer in 2023. Her credits include “Stranger Things,” “The Penguin, Avatar – The Last Airbender,” “The Mandalorian,” “Game Of Thrones.”

Amelie Dillig (VFX Producerin Accenture Song) | © Accenture Song

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.

Source and further information

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

Start-up Monday meets Gründungswerkstatt

The Start-up Monday is the Ludwigsburg event for founders, start-ups, creatives, and everyone interested in starting up, networking, and growing. It takes place at irregular intervals and at changing locations.

At the next Start-up Monday on March 9, 2026, the Wirtschaftsförderung der Stadt Ludwigsburg and Tinkertank invite you to join: the new open Gründungswerkstatt (start-up workshop) in the premises of Tinkertank (an initiative of Interactive Media Foundation gGmbH), will be introduced and presented.

Program:

16:30 CET: Admission
17:00 CET: Welcome address by Mayor Dr. Matthias Knecht and kick-off “Ludwigsburg gründungsfreundlich“. In attendance: Saskia Kress, Managing Director of Interactive Media Foundation gGmbH and initiator of Tinkertank.
17:15 CET: Interactive keynote: Technology meets creativity, including the presentation of the open start-up workshop
18:00 CET: Networking, workshop tours, project pitches in the adjacent room, food and drinks

The project “Ludwigsburg gründungsfreundlich: Orte der Innovation” is supported by the Verband Region Stuttgart as part of the “Programm zur Kofinanzierung von regionalen Modellprojekten und Kooperationen im Bereich Wirtschaft und Tourismus.”

Admission is free. | Venue: Tinkertank, Pflugfelder Str. 23 (2. Stock), 71636 Ludwigsburg

Further information and registration

TALENT Meet-up BW 2026

In 2026, the TALENT Meet-up BW will once again offer young professionals the opportunity to experience the Stuttgart Animated Week (FMX – Film & Media Exchange (May 5 to 7, 2026), Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (May 5 to 10, 2026), and the APD Conference (May 5, 2026)) with a free combi ticket. The program supports participants in networking, provides personalized program recommendations, and creates a framework for optimal exchange – both among participants and within the international industry. In addition, attendees will get to know regional support services and contact persons.

The program is aimed at individuals who are at the beginning of their own startup journey, currently developing animation-based content such as games, XR, VFX, or animation, or who are from related but non-industry fields, such as students in (humanities) sciences seeking to network with professionals from the animation, film, and games sectors. The offer is free of charge.

Applications are open until February 23, 2026, with responses provided by March 19, 2026. Apply now via the online form!

Program coordinators are MFG Baden-Württemberg, Animation Media Creators Region Stuttgart (AMCRS), Wirtschaftsförderung Region Stuttgart (WRS), Film Commission Region Stuttgart, Wirtschaftsförderung der Stadt Stuttgart and the Animationsinstitut of Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg.

Source and further informations: MFG Baden-Württemberg