Astragon Entertainment, a prominent simulation game developer and publisher that is a member of the everplay group plc, is delighted to announce that Independent Arts Software GmbH will now be known as astragon Development GmbH. Beginning in April 2025, the corporation has changed its leadership.
A new name, astragon Development, that fits the market approach
One of Germany’s oldest game development companies, Independent Arts Software, was purchased by Astragon Entertainment in April 2023. Astragon has been able to diversify its in-house production portfolio across several platforms, strengthen the creation of both new and current unique simulation game intellectual property, and further grow its business thanks to this acquisition.
astragon Development’s new name is a calculated move to improve cooperation between the two businesses and bolster the studio’s emphasis on creating simulation games with owned intellectual property. The studio’s most recent project, Seafarer: The Ship Sim, which was just revealed and is expected to launch in Early Access in 2025, already demonstrates this trend.
Roles for strategic leadership have changed.
Over the next few months, Independent Arts Software’s founder and CEO, Holger Kuchling, will progressively hand the business over to new management. Tim Schmitz and Julia Pfiffer assume the position of CEO of Astragon Development immediately. Up until August 31, 2025, Kuchling will continue to actively support the business; beyond that, he will continue to serve in an advising role.
Christian Grunwald, a Studio Manager, has also joined astragon Development. He will spearhead the studio’s long-term growth in this capacity and assist with operational management. Grunwald has 24 years of expertise in the game industry and has worked as a Lead Producer for Ubisoft, Deep Silver, and Travian Games, among other well-known companies. Having worked with Astragon Entertainment from 2013 to 2019, he is also acquainted with the company.
Julia Pfiffer, Co-CEO of astragon, stated,
“We are deeply grateful to Holger for his decades of dedication, inspiring vision, and the invaluable support he has offered throughout this transition. His unwavering commitment laid the foundation for both the company and its talented team. As we take this next step, we’re excited to bring the studio even closer into our strategic direction and continue crafting high-quality simulation games together. We’re confident that this strengthened collaboration will bring new opportunities and shared success across the entire company.”
Tim Schmitz, Co-CEO of astragon, stated:
“We are delighted to welcome Christian Grunwald to our company. Having known Christian for many years, we are confident that his expertise and experience will be invaluable to astragon. He will play a key role in further developing the talented team at astragon Development. Strengthening our Own-IP game development continues to be a cornerstone of our long-term vision, and with Christian on board, we look forward to reaching exciting new milestones together and taking our games to the next level.”
For more information, visit https://astragon-development.com/en/
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