Ivan Larsen 
Germany, the world’s third-largest economy, excels in a wide range of industries. One of these is the tech sector, which contributes about 5% to the country’s GDP. This sector employs over 1.3 million skilled workers, many of whom work in game development companies. Germany is a leader in the gaming industry, with several big-name software companies operating in the country. These companies are at the forefront of software development. In this article, we will introduce you to some of these companies and highlight some German-made video games that you should definitely check out. But first, let us explain how Germany became such a video gaming giant.
History of Germany’s Video Game Industry
The history of Germany’s video game industry dates back to the Cold War era when the country was divided into two. In Western Germany, the 1980s saw a video game boom, with the Commodore 64 and consoles like Nintendo being popular among players. Western Germans enjoyed popular American and Japanese games of the time, such as Super Mario Bros, Pokemon, and Konami’s Gradius. They also played games created by Western German developers, like Turrican by Factor 5 GmbH and The Great Giana Sisters by Time Warp, a German take on Super Mario featuring a female lead character.
Eastern Germans mostly played the Soviet-created Tetris on the other side of the Iron Curtain. Gamers in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) also had access to the BSS 01, the only game console ever produced in the GDR. Introduced in 1979, only about 1,000 units were made, and it featured six games, including tennis, soccer, squash, pelota, and two shooting games.
After the German reunification, Germany’s video game industry truly took off. Software development companies emerged nationwide in the 1990s, including Crytek Studios, which later created successful games like Far Cry.
Germany’s Biggest Video Game Developers Today
Far Cry is one of the most prominent games developed by a German software studio. The initial Far Cry game was created by Crytek, based in Frankfurt, in 2004. However, subsequent sequels, some of which surpassed the original in success, were developed by Ubisoft in its Canadian studios. Despite this, Crytek remains one of Germany’s most successful video game developers.
After gaining international recognition with Far Cry, the company went on to produce many other games, including Crysis, The Climb, Hunt: Showdown, and others. One of Crytek’s biggest competitors is Black Forest Games from Offenburg, which specializes in open-world adventure games such as Destroy All Humans!
When it comes to browser-based games, one of Germany’s largest developers is Bigpoint, which is based in Hamburg. This company has been around since 2002. Some of its most successful releases include Battlestar Galactica Online and Drakensang Online. Additionally, Germany is home to many companies that develop video games for other brands. For instance, Ubisoft Blue Byte is a developer that creates games for the French publisher Ubisoft.
Popular Modern Video Games Created by German Developers
For those interested in exploring more video games created by German software developers, a diverse range of games shines a spotlight on the country’s innovation and creativity in the gaming industry. These games showcase various genres and gameplay styles, offering something for every kind of player. Here are some notable titles:
- Anno 1800 by Ubisoft Blue Byte (from Mülheim)—Released in 2019, Anno 1800 is a strategy game set during the 19th-century Industrial Revolution. It is regarded as one of the best strategy games ever created in Germany, challenging players to build and manage a prosperous city.
- Black Mirror by KING Art Games (from Bremen) – This gothic adventure horror game, released in 2017, is set in Victorian Scotland and delves into occultism themes. It offers a captivating and eerie experience for fans of the horror genre.
- Desperados III by Mimimi Games (from Munich) – Released in 2020, Desperados III is a story-driven real-time tactics game set in the Wild West. It is the latest installment in the popular Desperados series and has been praised for its engaging gameplay and narrative.
- Dorfromantik by Toukana Interactive (from Berlin)—Released in 2022, Dorfromantik is a city-building puzzle game that has garnered acclaim for its innovative gameplay. Players create picturesque landscapes by strategically placing tiles, offering a relaxing yet challenging experience.
Online Casinos and German Software Developers
Online casino gaming is becoming increasingly popular around the world, including in Germany. German businesses are making tremendous progress in the iGaming industry, with one company distinguishing out as a top slot machine producer and pioneer in German online casinos.
Merkur Gaming, with a portfolio of over 200 games, provides a comprehensive choice of gaming options, merging new technologies in German online casinos. The company’s wide gaming offering extends beyond traditional slots, serving both land-based and online casinos in Germany.
Final Thoughts
Germany’s contributions to the gaming industry are significant. With a strong technical foundation, creative storytelling, and a commitment to innovation, German game developers are poised for continued success. As technology advances, Germany’s gaming industry is well-positioned to lead the way, offering players worldwide new and exciting experiences.
