SAXEED start-up team ‘Phase Games’ receives InnoStartBonus funding

The Phase Games team consists of a mix of developers and gaming enthusiasts and aims to develop arcade machines. The team comprises Alexander Stiwi, Niki Hendel and Patrick Scheps. Alexander is studying Software Development at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, already works part-time as a software developer and, in his spare time, plays the Asian board game ‘Go’ at Bundesliga level. His team-mate Niki is also studying at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, on the Media Informatics course, and regularly takes part in programming competitions. The team is further complemented by Patrick, a Social Work student in Leipzig. Patrick has had a passion for manual crafts since childhood and is an enthusiastic DIY enthusiast. Since August, Larissa Flade, a Media Communication student at Chemnitz University of Technology, has also been supporting the start-up project in the area of design. The start-up team is a fine example of interdisciplinary collaboration across different degree programmes and universities. This allows different perspectives and specialist knowledge to be utilised and fosters innovative solutions. All those involved share a passion for games, and together they possess the necessary skills to develop arcade machines that not only evoke a sense of nostalgia but are also capable of capturing the attention of a new generation of players.

In the context of video games and consumer electronics, ‘arcade’ refers to the classic arcade machines or booths found in amusement arcades, theme parks and public entertainment venues. Arcade machines should be distinguished from slot machines, as they were primarily developed for entertainment purposes and for playing video games. The focus is primarily on skill, and players usually receive points or in-game rewards that enhance their gaming experience or allow them to compare their performance on leaderboards. Unlike slot machines, therefore, no cash prizes are paid out. However, arcade machines usually also require players to insert coins or tokens to start the games, which lends an authentic and nostalgic feel. Most arcade games feature specialised controls such as joysticks, buttons and steering wheels to optimise the gaming experience. This, combined with their challenging gameplay mechanics, gives players the opportunity to put their skills and reflexes to the test. From classic retro arcade titles (e.g. Asteroids, Pac-Man, Donkey Kong) to modern 3D racing games and interactive adventures, arcade machines offer a wide range of games to suit every taste. In an era where digital entertainment is ubiquitous, the team at Phase Games is keen to revive the nostalgia of the arcade. For whilst times have changed, the fascination with classic arcade games remains undiminished. Generations of players have spent countless hours amidst the dazzling lights and pulsating sound effects of the arcades. Phase Games aims to bring this unique experience into the present day and enrich it with state-of-the-art technology.

Alexander Stiwi and Patrick Scheps describe how the idea of building their own arcade machines came about as follows: “Originally, we wanted to open an arcade. Whilst doing our research, we realised that it’s very difficult to get arcade machines of reasonably decent quality in Europe. We would definitely have had to import them. And then we thought, why don’t we build the machines ourselves? We’d always wanted to create something together where we could put our skills to good use, and that’s how our idea came about. We’ve found our niche, so to speak. We also want to bring arcade machines into the 21st century and implement new features such as online leaderboards and payment options via cryptocurrency.”

Throughout the grant application process, SAXEED helped the team to refine their business plan, draw up financial forecasts and collate the relevant information needed for their presentation to the panel of experts. These measures proved crucial in successfully submitting the funding application whilst maximising the persuasiveness of their business model. Furthermore, SAXEED supported the Phase Games team in preparing for the pitch, during which they presented their business idea to a panel of experts. This presentation is often a critical moment in the application process, as it serves to demonstrate the potential and viability of the business concept. SAXEED helped the team to improve their presentation skills, optimise the pitch deck and ensure that they could convey their message clearly and convincingly.

Patrick describes their pitch to the panel of experts in Dresden as follows: “We were really very nervous, but once you’re standing up there and take a deep breath, you can pull it off. You just have to really believe in what you want to do and show that, too. That mindset helped us to calm down a bit. We’d practised it two or three times beforehand with Dirk [from SAXEED] and it got a bit better each time. At the pitch in Dresden, it finally won over the jury.”

On 26 June 2023, the founding team at Phase Games were informed that they had been awarded the long-awaited funding. This welcome news marks an important milestone on the path to realising their innovative business idea and bolsters their efforts to gain a foothold in the world of games development. “I think it’s brilliant to market our own product, to show that this is who we are. I can’t imagine anything better. It actually took us a week or two to realise that we’d actually been granted the funding. That was really cool,” said Patrick.

The story of Phase Games shows that it is possible to turn innovation and entrepreneurship into reality if you believe in yourself and your ideas, and know who to turn to when you need support. At Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, the SAXEED start-up network is on hand to answer any questions you may have about setting up a business. Whether you have an idea or have already taken your first steps into the world of business, SAXEED offers valuable resources, advice and support to guide you on your entrepreneurial journey. Please do not hesitate to contact SAXEED if you would like to turn your business idea into reality.