Daedalic Entertainment

Last updated

Daedalic Entertainment GmbH
Company type Subsidiary
Industry Video games
Founded1 March 2007;17 years ago (2007-03-01)
Founders
  • Carsten Fichtelmann
  • Jan Müller-Michaelis
Headquarters
Hamburg
,
Germany
Key people
Number of employees
~70 [1]  (2023)
Parent
Website daedalic.com

Daedalic Entertainment GmbH is a German video game publisher and former developer based in Hamburg. They developed various point-and-click adventure games.

Contents

History

Daedalic Entertainment was founded on 1 March 2007 in a small Hamburg office by chief executive officer (CEO) Carsten Fichtelmann and creative director Jan Müller-Michaelis. Prior to founding Daedalic, Fichtelmann was marketing director for German publisher DTP Entertainment. [3]

Shortly afterwards, the adventure game 1½ Knights – In Search of the Ravishing Princess Herzelinde was developed, named after the same film. On 28 August 2009, the adventure game The Whispered World followed and the adventure title A New Beginning , which focuses on climate change, was published on 8 October 2010. In 2011, the sequel to Edna & Harvey: The Breakout was released with the title Harvey’s New Eyes. A year later, a new adventure named Deponia was released to the market, which received several awards as well.[ citation needed ]

In May 2014, German publisher Bastei Lübbe acquired a majority share of 51% in Daedalic Entertainment. [4] [5] [6] The following July, Daedalic opened a subsidiary studio, Daedalic Entertainment Studio West, in Düsseldorf. [7] [8] [9]

In November 2016, Daedalic laid off twelve of its roughly 150 employees, primarily from the production and marketing departments, and opted not to renew several temporary contracts. [10] [11] [12] In February 2018, Daedalic opened a third studio, this time in Munich under the name Daedalic Entertainment Bavaria. [13] The new studio would consist of eight people, led by Oliver Machek, formerly of Klonk Games, as studio director and creative director, and by Stephan Harms, chief operating officer of Daedalic, as CEO. [14] In August 2018, as Bastei Lübbe faced severe financial issues, the company started considering to sell their 51% stake in Daedalic. [15] In early 2021, the Düsseldorf and Munich studios entered liquidation; the former had been inactive since after creative director Andreas Suika left in August 2019 for Epic Games, while the latter was emptied in late 2020 with all employees rehired by other Munich-based developers. [16]

Nacon announced its intent to acquire Daedalic in February 2022 through purchase of all controlling shares of the company for an estimated $60 million. [17] The acquisition was confirmed in April 2022. [18]

In June 2023, Daedalic shuttered its development division, affecting 25 of its more than 90 employees. The closure came as a result of poor reception and performance of the studio's final internally developed game, The Lord of the Rings: Gollum . [19] [20] [21] [22]

Games developed

YearTitlePlatform(s)Publisher(s)NotesRef.
2008 Edna & Harvey: The Breakout (Edna bricht aus) [23] [24] Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One,Amazon Luna Lace Mamba Global, Application Systems Heidelberg, Daedalic EntertainmentAn improved anniversary edition was released in 2019 [24]
1½ Knights: In Search of the Ravishing Princess Herzelinde Windows Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
2009 The Whispered World Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS Deep Silver, Viva Media, Lace Mamba Global, Daedalic EntertainmentA special edition was released in 2014
The TudorsmacOS, WindowsMerscom
2010Wolfgang Hohlbein's The InquisitorWindowsPrime Games
Immortal LoversWindows
The Chronicles of Shakespeare: Romeo & JulietmacOS, WindowsDaedalic Entertainment
A New Beginning WindowsDaedalic Entertainment, Lace Mamba Global
2011 Edna & Harvey: Harvey's New Eyes iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One Daedalic Entertainment
The Chronicles of Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night's DreammacOS, Windows
BorgiamacOS, Windows
2012 Deponia iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneDaedalic Entertainment, Lace Mamba Global
The Dark Eye: Chains of Satinav macOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S Daedalic Entertainment, Deep Silver
Chaos on Deponia Linux, macOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneDaedalic Entertainment
A New Beginning: Final CutiOS, macOS, Windows
2013 The Night of the Rabbit macOS, Windows
The Dark Eye: Memoria macOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Goodbye Deponia Linux, macOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
2014 Blackguards macOS, WindowsDaedalic Entertainment, Kalypso Media
1954 AlcatrazWindowsDaedalic Entertainment
Deponia: The PuzzleAndroid, iOS, Windows
Edna & Harvey: The PuzzleAndroid, iOS, Windows
Deponia: The Complete JourneyLinux, macOS, Windows
2015 Blackguards 2 macOS, Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Fire: Ungh’s Quest Windows, macOS, Linux, Wii U, Nintendo Switch, iOS [25]
Anna's Quest Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
2016 Deponia Doomsday
Silence
2017 The Long Journey Home macOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneDaedalic Entertainment Studio West
Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneEpisodic game. Episode 3 released in 2018.
2018 State of Mind Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
2020A Year of Rain Windows
2023 The Lord of the Rings: Gollum Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S Daedalic Entertainment, Nacon Final internally developed game [26] [27]

Cancelled

Games published

YearTitlePlatform(s)Developer(s)NotesRef.
2013Journey of a Roach Windows, macOS, Linux Koboldgames
Gomo Windows, macOS Fishcow Studio
2014Munin Windows, macOS, Linux Gojira
Randal's Monday Windows, macOS Nexus Game Studios
2015Decay: The Mare Windows, macOS, Linux Shining Gate Software
Dead Synchronicity: Tomorrow Comes Today Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux Fictiorama Studios
Holy Potatoes! A Weapon Shop?! Windows, macOS, Linux Daylight Studios
Skyhill Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One Mandragora
Valhalla Hills iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux Funatics Software
ZanZarah: The Hidden Portal Windows Funatics Development (Funatics Software)Re-release
2016Shooting Stars! Windows, macOS, Linux Bloodirony
The Virus: Cry for Help Android, iOS, watchOS Popclaire
Caravan Windows, macOS, Linux It Matters Games
Crazy Machines 3 Windows Fakt Software
Oh My Gore!bumblebee.
Candle Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One Teku Studios
Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One Mimimi Productions
2017Holy Potatoes! We're in Space?! Windows, macOS, Linux Daylight Studios
Shift Happens' Windows, Nintendo Switch Klonk Games
Relaxing VR Games: Mahjong Windows CrazyBunch
Leaves: The Journey Windows, macOS ZAR 21
Leaves: The Return
The Franz Kafka Videogame Windows, iOS, Android Denis Galanin (mif2000)
Bounty Train Windows, macOS Corbie Games
Holy Potatoes! What the Hell?! macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One Daylight Studios
AER Memories of Old macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One Forgotten Key
2018Holy Potatoes! A Spy Story?! Windows, macOS, Linux Daylight Studios
2019The Great Perhaps macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4,Windows, Xbox One Caligari Games
Intruders: Hide and Seek Windows, PlayStation 4 Tessera Studios
Felix the Reaper macOS, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One Kong Orange
2020 The Suicide of Rachel Foster Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One One-O-One Games
Iron Danger Windows Action Squad Studios
Iratus: Lord of the Dead Windows, macOS, Linux Unfrozen
Unrailed! Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One Indoor AstronautTogether with bilibili
Partisans 1941 Windows Alter Games
Witch ItBarrel Roll Games
2021Insurmountable Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S ByteRockers' Games
CryoFall Windows AtomicTorch Studio
GlitchpunkDark Lord
Fling to the Finish Windows, macOS SplitSide Games
Jars Windows, macOS, Linux Mousetrap Games
Shadow Tactics: Aiko's Choice Windows, Linux Mimimi Games
2022Hidden Deep Windows Cogwheel Software
Zombie Rollerz: Pinball HeroesZing Games Inc.
VELONE Windows, macOS ZAR 21
Godlike Burger Windows, macOS, Linux Liquid Pug
Warpips Windows Skirmish Mode Games
Wildcat Gun Machine Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One Chunkybox Games
Destroyer: The U-Boat Hunter Windows Iron Wolf Studio S.A.
The Heart of the Teddy BearAbenteuerpakete
2023Children of SilentownElf Games, Luna2 Studio
Inkulinati Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S Yaza Games
Potion Tycoon Windows Snowhound Games
Life of Delta Windows, macOS Airo Games
Barotrauma Windows, macOS, Linux FakeFish, Undertow Games
Rough Justice: '84 Windows Gamma Minus UG
WanderfulTiny Roar
Wild WoodsOctofox Games
REVEILPixelsplit
Magin: The Rat Project StoriesThe Rat Project
CapesSpitfire Interactive

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References

  1. ↑ Fröhlich, Petra (16 January 2023). "Die größten Games-Studios in Deutschland 2023". GamesWirtschaft. Archived from the original on 21 January 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
  2. ↑ "Nach Daedalic-Verkauf: Bastei Lübbe AG gibt Games-Geschäft auf". 14 July 2020. Archived from the original on 16 July 2020. Retrieved 18 July 2020.
  3. ↑ "Daedalic – Neuer deutscher Spiele-Publisher – Golem.de". www.golem.de. Archived from the original on 26 March 2007. Retrieved 4 January 2019.
  4. ↑ "Spielebranche: Bastei Lübbe kauft Mehrheit an Daedalic Entertainment – Golem.de". www.golem.de. Archived from the original on 16 May 2014. Retrieved 14 October 2018.
  5. ↑ "Daedalic Entertainment : Bastei Lübbe erwirbt Mehrheitsanteil – 4Players.de". 4Players. 16 May 2014. Archived from the original on 17 May 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2019.
  6. ↑ "Daedalic – Verlagsgruppe Bastei Lübbe übernimmt mehrheitlich Deponia-Entwickler – GameStar". www.gamestar.de. 19 May 2014. Archived from the original on 15 May 2020. Retrieved 4 January 2019.
  7. ↑ "Daedalic Entertainment : Studio in Düsseldorf gegründet – 4Players.de". 4Players. 14 July 2014. Archived from the original on 15 July 2014. Retrieved 14 October 2018.
  8. ↑ "Spielentwickler: Daedalic gründet neues Studio – Golem.de". www.golem.de. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2019.
  9. ↑ "Daedalic Entertainment – Deponia-Entwickler eröffnet Studio in Düsseldorf – GameStar". www.gamestar.de. 15 July 2014. Archived from the original on 10 June 2017. Retrieved 4 January 2019.
  10. ↑ "Spielebranche: Daedalic entlässt Mitarbeiter – Golem.de". www.golem.de. Archived from the original on 23 November 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2019.
  11. ↑ GamesWirtschaft (22 November 2016). "Enttäuschende Verkaufszahlen: Daedalic baut Stellen ab". GamesWirtschaft. Archived from the original on 24 November 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2019.
  12. ↑ "Schwierigkeiten bei Daedalic – Hamburger Publisher baut Stellen ab – GameStar". www.gamestar.de. 22 November 2016. Archived from the original on 5 January 2019. Retrieved 4 January 2019.
  13. ↑ GamesWirtschaft (14 February 2018). "Daedalic Entertainment Bavaria: München wird dritter Daedalic-Standort". GamesWirtschaft. Archived from the original on 17 February 2018. Retrieved 14 October 2018.
  14. ↑ "Daedalic – Neues Studio in München eröffnet – GameStar". www.gamestar.de. 14 February 2018. Archived from the original on 16 February 2018. Retrieved 14 October 2018.
  15. ↑ GamesWirtschaft (14 August 2018). "Bastei Lübbe AG: Daedalic Entertainment auf dem Prüfstand (Update)". GamesWirtschaft. Archived from the original on 5 January 2019. Retrieved 4 January 2019.
  16. ↑ Fröhlich, Petra (3 February 2021). "Daedalic Entertainment Bavaria aufgelöst". GamesWirtschaft. Archived from the original on 5 February 2021. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
  17. ↑ Prescott, Shaun (16 February 2022). "Nacon acquires Daedalic Entertainment for $60 million". PC Gamer . Retrieved 16 February 2022.
  18. ↑ "Definitive acquisition of Daedalic Entertainment". Nacon Corporate. Archived from the original on 7 April 2022. Retrieved 17 April 2022.
  19. ↑ "Daedalic Entertainment schließt Entwicklungs-Abteilung (Update)". 30 June 2023.
  20. ↑ "Daedalic Entertainment shuts down internal game development to focus on publishing". 30 June 2023.
  21. ↑ "The Lord of the Rings: Gollum developer to close after disastrous launch". Polygon . 30 June 2023.
  22. ↑ "Lord of the Rings: Gollum developer closing down after nightmare launch". Digital Spy . July 2023.
  23. ↑ "Edna & Harvey: The Breakout on Steam". store.steampowered.com. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
  24. 1 2 "Edna & Harvey: The Breakout - Anniversary Edition on Steam". store.steampowered.com. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
  25. ↑ "Análisis de FIRE (PC, Switch, Wii U)". Vandal (in Spanish). 6 April 2015. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
  26. ↑ Oloman, Jordan; Mercante, Alyssa; Wald, Heather (6 August 2021). "The Lord of the Rings: Gollum game - Everything we know so far". GamesRadar+ . Retrieved 7 August 2021.
  27. ↑ "The Lord of the Rings: Gollum launches May 25 for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, and PC, later for Switch". Gematsu. 23 March 2023. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
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