FFF Bayern funding round 2025: 1.1 million euros for eleven new games

In the first funding round 2025, the FFF Bayern is supporting eleven new games projects with a total of 1.1 million euros - including our cozy survival game Forestbound. We show how Bavaria is promoting games as a future technology and what sets Forestbound apart.

The Bavarian Film & Television Fund (FFF) awarded a total of 1.1 million euros to eleven new projects in its first games funding round in 2025. The official award ceremony took place on April 9, 2025, at the GAMEREI in Munich. Digital and Games Minister Dr. Fabian Mehring emphasized the importance of games in Bavaria as both a future technology and a cultural asset.

"Games are not only cultural assets, but also future technology. The projects we support today exemplify the creative power that is at home throughout Bavaria – from Bayreuth to Munich, from Nuremberg to Gersthofen. It is precisely this diversity that makes our Free State a top location for the German games industry."

Eleven funded projects from across Bavaria

The selection of projects receiving funding covers a wide range of genres and ideas – from dark action-adventures to VR mini-game collections to family-friendly couch co-op titles. Developments at various stages of development are supported.

Here is the overview:

Forestbound : Cozy survival adventure in the wilderness

Although our project was unfortunately not mentioned by name in the official press release, Forestbound is part of this funding round – and we are thrilled!

"This 3D first-person cozy survival game combines exploration, camping, and relaxation in a picturesque natural setting. Players set up camp, light fires with realistic mechanics, and explore the wilderness with only a map and compass as their tools."

The highlight: We've focused entirely on slow-paced gameplay and realism , consciously avoiding danger and hectic combat. Instead, Forestbound lets you enjoy the magic of being outdoors —whether by a campfire under the stars or exploring a picturesque landscape full of small details.

This concept funding of 20,000 euros is an important step for us to develop our prototype and refine the core of our game: outdoor experience, realism and coziness .

Bavaria relies on games as future technology

At the ceremonial handover at the GAMEREI – Munich's new meeting place for the games industry – State Minister Dr. Fabian Mehring made it clear how great the growth expectations for games in Bavaria are:

“Our goal is clear: We want to develop Bavaria into Europe’s top location for the games industry.”

The GAMEREI will be further expanded as a venue for events, community meetings, and co-working. With nearly 350 games companies and around 3,500 employees, the Free State of Bavaria is already very well positioned within Germany – and aims to further expand.