Assumptions & Boundaries
Before reaching out, our process assumes you have a defined game concept and a minimum viable budget. We operate as a specialist studio, not a generalist agency.
- • We do not engage in speculative work or unpaid concepting.
- • Our primary service is full-cycle development; single-discipline freelance work is limited.
- • We are based in Berlin and work primarily with clients in the CET timezone for optimal collaboration.
What Changes Our View
A clear, documented game design document (GDD) and a defined technical scope instantly elevate your inquiry. We prioritize projects where the creative vision and technical feasibility are aligned.
Scenario: The Pre-Brief Filter
A client submitted a 3-page document detailing their core mechanics, target audience, and a reference mood board. Their initial contact was met with a scheduling link for a discovery call within 24 hours.
Outcome: First call covered technical architecture, not basic concepts.
Your Direct Line to German Game Development
We’ve structured our communication to be efficient and direct. Whether you’re a studio with a brief or a talent looking for a role, this is where we begin.
For Clients: Project Inquiry
Use this form to submit your game concept, technical requirements, and project constraints.
For Talent: Portfolio Submission
Submit your portfolio for UI/UX, Technical Art, or Gameplay Programming roles.
Email Talent PortfolioOur Studio Location
Alexanderplatz 1, 10178 Berlin
Central European Time (CET)
Response Protocol
- Project inquiries: Initial response within 48 business hours.
- Talent portfolios: Reviewed monthly on the first week.
- Schedule calls via Calendly link provided in initial reply.
The Pre-Meeting Brief: A Checklist
A focused first call is productive. Prepare these four items to ensure we move from concept to execution efficiently.
Game Concept & USP
A one-paragraph summary of the core loop and what makes it unique.
Technical Stack
Engine preference (Unity/Unreal), target platforms (iOS/Android/Steam).
Budget & Timeline
Realistic development range and target launch window.
Reference & Aesthetic
Links to games, art, or mood boards that define your visual target.
Decision Lens: When to Schedule
Use this criteria to determine if a discovery call is the right next step.
You have a defined GDD (Game Design Document) or MVP spec.
We can assess scope and feasibility.
Budget is at least €50k+ for the first milestone.
Aligns with our minimum viable project scale.
Seeking a "free pitch" or unpaid concept work.
We do not engage in speculative work.
Choosing Your Path: Client vs. Talent
For Clients
- • Full-cycle development from concept to launch.
- • Dedicated core team assignment.
- • Milestone-based payment for budget predictability.
- • IP ownership of final game; we retain tool libraries.
Best For:
Indie studios with a vertical slice or MVP budget, aiming for a production-ready team.
For Talent
- • Specialist contract roles (UI/UX, Tech Art, Programming).
- • Collaboration with a fixed core team.
- • Project-based contracts; no open full-time positions.
- • Portfolio-led hiring; please submit via the dedicated email.
Best For:
Freelancers seeking project-based contracts with a German studio.
Direct Answers to Common Inquiries
Pricing Structure
We use a milestone-based payment structure tied to deliverables, not hourly rates. This ensures budget predictability and aligns our incentives with your project success.
Team Composition
A dedicated core team (Lead Developer, Art Director, Producer) is assigned per project. Specialists are brought in as needed, ensuring you don't pay for idle resources.
IP Ownership
You retain full ownership of the final game and its core IP. We retain rights to our underlying code libraries and proprietary tools, which allows us to improve our stack for future projects.
Post-Launch Support
We offer a 3-month warranty period for bug fixes included in the contract. Ongoing updates, DLC, or new features are handled via a separate, transparent retainer model.
NDA & Confidentiality
We are happy to sign a mutual NDA before any detailed discussions. Our process is built on trust and discretion; client confidentiality is a non-negotiable standard.
What We Don't Do
We do not provide marketing or publishing services. We are a development studio focused on building quality games. For UA or storefront optimization, we can recommend partners.
Method Note: Our Evaluation Criteria
When we evaluate an initial contact, we assess three axes: Creative Clarity (is the vision defined?), Technical Feasibility (is the scope realistic?), and Team Alignment (do we have the right talent available?). A strong signal on all three accelerates the path to a productive partnership. Our constraints are schedule-based: we currently have capacity for one new project team to start in Q1 2026.
Ready to Proceed?
If your project aligns with our focus on technical depth and collaborative development, the next step is a single, focused question.
Email Your Brief to info@markivo.spaceDirect inquiries typically receive a response within 48 business hours.