www.handy-games.com GmbH[3] (trade name: HandyGames) is a German video game developer and publisher based in Giebelstadt. In July 2018, the company was acquired by THQ Nordic.
 | |
| HandyGames | |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
| Industry | Video games |
| Founded | April 25, 2000[1] |
| Founders |
|
| Headquarters | , Germany |
| Products | Townsmen |
Number of employees | 80[2] (2024) |
| Parent | THQ Nordic (2018–present) |
| Subsidiaries | Massive Miniteam |
| Website | handy-games.com |
History
editThe company was founded in 2000 by brothers Christopher and Markus Kassulke along with Udo Bausewein. In 2006, HandyGames released its first free, ad-funded game and began the gradual transition to a largely ad-funded business model. Since 2010, all new HandyGames mobile titles are either free or freemium. By 2014 HandyGames had 150,000 app downloads per month and more than 100 million downloads in total.[4] They have developed all the Townsmen games.
In 2012, HandyGames expanded onto other platforms like PC or Smart TVs. In January 2014 and 2015, the company were main sponsors for the "HandyGames Charity Day" in Würzburg, which aimed to raise funds for cancer research. On both occasions the event was able to raise roughly 50000 Euros.[5][6]
HandyGames was one of the first companies to launch games for wearable technology in 2014.[7] The games are compatible with Android Wear devices, including the Moto 360 by Motorola, the Huawei Watch, the Sony SmartWatch and the LG G Watch.[8]
The company began developing VR (virtual reality) games 2015 and released titles like "Hidden Temple – VR Adventure".[9] They can be played in 360° mode or in VR using one of the supported head-mounted displays like Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear VR, or Google Cardboard.[10] Simultaneously, HandyGames began developing games for the Eighth generation of video game consoles like the PlayStation 4, Xbox One[11] or later the Nintendo Switch.
On 9 July 2018, THQ Nordic announced that it had acquired HandyGames and all of its intellectual property. THQ Nordic said that the studio management and all employees remain with the company.[12][13]
Townsmen Expeditions (working title), which will mark the most recent entry in the Townsmen IP, received €150,000 development funding from Creative Europe.[14] As of 2020, HandyGames employs 60 people.[15]
In May 2021, Embracer Group announced the acquisition of Massive Miniteam by HandyGames, which will be fully integrated within the HandyGames organization, under the operative group THQ Nordic.[16]
Awards
edit- Deutscher Entwicklerpreis — Bestes Studio (Best German Studio)[17]
Games
edit| Title | Platform | Release date | Developer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Townsmen | Java | 2003 | HandyGames |
| Townsmen 2 | Java | 2003 | |
| Townsmen 3 | Java | 2005 | |
| Sexy Puzzle 2[18] | Java | 2006 | |
| Porn Manager[19] | Java | 2006 | |
| Bulldozer Inc.[20] | Java | 2006 | |
| Townsmen 4 | Java | 2007 | |
| Porn Manager 2[21] | Java | 2007 | |
| Townsmen 5 | Java | 2008 | |
| The Egyptians[22] | Java | 2008 | |
| 4 in a Wheel[23] | Java | 2008 | |
| AD 1066 – William the Conqueror[24] | Java | 2008 | |
| The Great Bible Game[25] | Java | 2008 | |
| Romans and Barbarians[26] | Java | 2008 | |
| Little Firefighter[27] | Java | 2008 | |
| Sexy Twins 1[28] | Java | 2008 | |
| Townsmen 6 Revolution | Java | 2009 | |
| Android | February 4, 2011 | ||
| The Great Beer Quiz[29] | Java | 2009 | |
| World of Dice[30] | Java | 2009 | |
| Porn Tycoon[31] | Java | 2010 | |
| Casino Crime[32] | Java | 2010 | |
| Shark or Die[33] | Java | 2010 | |
| Guns 'n' Glory[34] | Java | 2010 | |
| Truth or Lies[35][36] | iPhone | February 15, 2011 | |
| Romans and Barbarians Gold[37] | Java | 2011 | |
| The Egyptians Gold[38] | Java | 2011 | |
| Cyberlords: Arcology[39][40] | Java | 2011 | |
| Android | |||
| Clouds and Sheep[41] | Android | 2011 | |
| iOS | |||
| Guns 'n' Glory WW2[42] | Android | 2011 | |
| iOS | |||
| Aporkalypse: Pigs of Doom[43][44] | Java | 2011 | |
| Android | |||
| Happy Vikings[45] | Android | 2011 | |
| 1941 Frozen Front | Android, iOS | 2013 | |
| Townsmen | Android | August 3, 2013 | |
| Aces of the Luftwaffe: Squadron | Microsoft Windows | July 24, 2018 | |
| PlayStation 4 | |||
| Xbox One | |||
| Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams - Owltimate Edition | Nintendo Switch | September 28, 2018 | Black Forest Games |
| Townsmen | Nintendo Switch | November 9, 2018 | HandyGames |
| Aces of the Luftwaffe: Squadron - Nebelgeschwader | Microsoft Windows | November 13, 2018 | |
| Nintendo Switch | |||
| PlayStation 4 | |||
| Xbox One | |||
| Jagged Alliance: Rage! | Microsoft Windows | December 6, 2018 | Cliffhanger Productions |
| PlayStation 4 | |||
| Xbox One | |||
| Clouds & Sheep 2 | Nintendo Switch | December 21, 2018 | HandyGames |
| Dynamite Fishing: World Games | Nintendo Switch | December 21, 2018 | |
| Stunt Kite Party | Nintendo Switch | February 8, 2019 | |
| Rad Rodgers: Radical Edition | Nintendo Switch | February 26, 2019 | Slipgate Studios |
| Townsmen: A Kingdom Rebuilt | Microsoft Windows | February 26, 2019 | HandyGames |
| SpellForce: Heroes & Magic | Android | April 26, 2019 | Hex Games |
| iOS | |||
| Stunt Kite Party | Microsoft Windows | June 7, 2019 | HandyGames |
| PlayStation 4 | |||
| Xbox One | |||
| ChessFinity | Android | July 4, 2019 | Orkitec |
| iOS | |||
| Battle Chasers: Nightwar - Mobile Edition | Android | August 1, 2019 | Airship Syndicate |
| iOS | |||
| This Is the Police 2 | Android | September 12, 2019 | Weappy |
| iOS | |||
| Lock's Quest | Android | September 26, 2019 | Digital Continue |
| iOS | |||
| Little Big Workshop | Macintosh | October 17, 2019 | Mirage Game Studios |
| Microsoft Windows | |||
| Through the Darkest of Times | Macintosh | January 30, 2020 | Paintbucket Games |
| Microsoft Windows | |||
| Townsmen: A Kingdom Rebuilt | PlayStation 4 | February 20, 2020 | HandyGames |
| Xbox One | |||
| Townsmen: A Kingdom Rebuilt – The Seaside Empire | Microsoft Windows | February 20, 2020 | |
| Nintendo Switch | |||
| PlayStation 4 | |||
| Xbox One | |||
| Spitlings | Stadia | February 25, 2020 | Massive Miniteam |
| Aces of the Luftwaffe: Squadron – Extended Edition | Android | February 28, 2020 | HandyGames |
| iOS | |||
| Rebel Cops | Android | April 23, 2020 | Weappy |
| iOS | |||
| Through the Darkest of Times | Android | May 7, 2020 | Paintbucket Games |
| iOS | |||
| Spitlings | Microsoft Windows | August 4, 2020 | Massive Miniteam |
| Nintendo Switch | |||
| PlayStation 4 | |||
| Xbox One | |||
| Through the Darkest of Times | Nintendo Switch | August 13, 2020 | Paintbucket Games |
| PlayStation 4 | |||
| Xbox One | |||
| Little Big Workshop | Xbox One | September 24, 2020 | Massive Miniteam |
| PlayStation 4 | |||
| Nintendo Switch | October 1, 2020 | ||
| Neighbours back From Hell | Microsoft Windows | October 8, 2020 | FarbWorks |
| Nintendo Switch | |||
| PlayStation 4 | |||
| Xbox One | |||
| Chicken Police: Paint it Red! | Microsoft Windows | November 5, 2020 | The Wild Gentlemen |
| Nintendo Switch | |||
| PlayStation 4 | |||
| Xbox One | |||
| Little Big Workshop | Stadia | November 6, 2020 | Massive Miniteam |
| El Hijo: A Wild West Tale | Stadia | December 3, 2020 | Honig Studios |
| Microsoft Windows | |||
| SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated | Android | January 21, 2021 | HandyGames |
| iOS | |||
| Titan Quest: Legendary Edition | Android | February 2, 2021 | |
| iOS | |||
| Pile Up! Box by Box | Microsoft Windows | March 18, 2021 | Seed by Seed |
| El Hijo: A Wild West Tale | Nintendo Switch | March 25, 2021 | Quantumfrog |
| PlayStation 4 | |||
| Xbox One | |||
| Townsmen: A Kingdom Rebuilt | GeForce Now | June 10, 2021 | HandyGames |
| Townsmen: A Kingdom Rebuilt – The Seaside Empire | GeForce Now | June 10, 2021 | |
| Chicken Police: Paint it Red! | Android | June 29, 2021 | |
| iOS | |||
| Skydrift Infinity | Microsoft Windows | July 29, 2021 | |
| Nintendo Switch | |||
| PlayStation 4 | |||
| Xbox One | |||
| Neighbours back From Hell | Android | August 3, 2021 | |
| iOS | |||
| Pile Up! Box by Box | Nintendo Switch | August 17, 2021 | Seed by Seed |
| PlayStation 4 | |||
| Xbox One | |||
| El Hijo: A Wild West Tale | Amazon Luna | September 9, 2021 | Quantum Frog |
| Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams | Amazon Luna | September 9, 2021 | Black Forest Games |
| Pile Up! Box by Box! | Amazon Luna | September 9, 2021 | Seed by Seed |
| Spitlings | Amazon Luna | September 9, 2021 | Massive Miniteam |
| Chicken Police: Paint it Red! | MacOS | November 4, 2021 | The Wild Gentlemen |
| Stadia | December 6, 2021 | ||
| One Hand Clapping | Android | December 14, 2021 | Bad Dream Games |
| iOS | |||
| GeForce Now | |||
| Microsoft Windows | |||
| Nintendo Switch | |||
| PlayStation 4 | |||
| Stadia | |||
| Xbox One | |||
| Scarf | GeForce Now | December 23, 2021 | Uprising Studios |
| Microsoft Windows | |||
| El Hijo: A Wild West Tale | Android | January 25, 2022 | HandyGames |
| iOS | |||
| Townsmen VR | HTC Vive | March 24, 2022 | HandyGames |
| Oculus Rift | |||
| PlayStation VR | |||
| Chicken Police: Paint it Red! | PlayStation 5 | March 30, 2022 | The Wild Gentlemen |
| Xbox Series X/S | |||
| One Hand Clapping | Xbox Series X/S | March 31, 2022 | Bad Dream Games |
| PlayStation 5 | April 5, 2022 | ||
| This Is the President | Android | May 10, 2022 | HandyGames |
| iOS | |||
| Townsmen: A Kingdom Rebuilt | Netflix | May 24, 2022 | HandyGames |
| Through the Darkest of Times | Stadia | June 1, 2022 | Paintbucket Games |
| Endling: Extinction is Forever | Microsoft Windows | July 19, 2022 | Herobeat Studios |
| Nintendo Switch | |||
| PlayStation 4 | |||
| Xbox One | |||
| Neighbours Back from Hell | Stadia | July 28, 2022 | FarbWorks |
| Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? | Microsoft Windows | August 23, 2022 | Massive Miniteam |
| Nintendo Switch | |||
| PlayStation 4 | |||
| PlayStation 5 | |||
| Xbox One | |||
| Xbox Series X/S | |||
| Chicken Police: Paint it Red! | Amazon Luna | October 20, 2022 | The Wild Gentlemen |
| Endling: Extinction is Forever | PlayStation 5 | November 3, 2022 | Herobeat Studios |
| Xbox Series X/S | |||
| Wreckfest Mobile | Android | November 16, 2022 | HandyGames |
| iOS | |||
| Perish [46] | Microsoft Windows | February 2, 2023 | Item 42 |
| De-Exit: Eternal Matters [47] | Microsoft Windows | April 14, 2023 | SandBloom Studio |
| PlayStation 4 | |||
| Xbox One | |||
| PlayStation 5 | |||
| Xbox Series X/S | |||
| Airhead | Microsoft Windows | TBA | Octato |
| Nintendo Switch | |||
| PlayStation 4 | |||
| Xbox One | |||
| Endling: Extinction is Forever | Android | TBA | HandyGames |
| iOS | |||
| A Rat's Quest: The Way Back Home | Microsoft Windows | TBA | The Dreamerians |
| Nintendo Switch | |||
| PlayStation 4 | |||
| Xbox One | |||
| Devil and the Fairy | HTC Vive | TBA | HandyGames |
| Meta Rift | |||
| Steam VR | |||
| Lethal Honor: Order of the Apocalypse | Microsoft Windows | TBA | Viral Studios |
| Nintendo Switch | |||
| PlayStation 4 | |||
| Xbox One |
References
edit- ^ "8th Birthday". GamesIndustry.biz. 25 April 2008.
- ^ Fröhlich, Petra (15 August 2024). "Die größten Games-Studios in Deutschland 2024" [The largest game studios in Germany in 2024]. GamesWirtschaft (in German). Archived from the original on 15 August 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
- ^ "Legal Notice". HandyGames. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
- ^ "Ins Spiel gebracht: Effektiv werben in Mobile Games von HandyGames". finanzen.ch. February 4, 2014.
- ^ "Gummersbach kommt: Großer Handball-Benefiztag für Krebshilfe". mainpost.de. January 17, 2014. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 9, 2014.
- ^ "HandyGames Charity Day 2015 – ein voller Erfolg". www.b4bmainfranken.de. February 2, 2015. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
- ^ "HandyGames' CEO on why he's looking to take a leading role in the world of wearables". Pocket Gamer.biz. August 26, 2014.
- ^ "Handy Games on why it's backing smartwatch gaming not VR". Pocket Gamer.biz. November 13, 2014.
- ^ "HandyGames released a VR Game on Google Play". www.androidpit.de. January 13, 2015. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
- ^ "Handy Games releases Hidden Temple – VR Adventure for Google Cardboard". www.droidgamers.com. July 30, 2015.
- ^ "Aces of the Luftwaffe Review – Bogeys Spotted PS4". www.playstationlifestyle.net. March 5, 2015.
- ^ "What has 100 legs, is from Germany and has been acquired by THQ Nordic?". THQ Nordic. 9 July 2018.
- ^ "THQ Nordic acquires the German game developer and publisher HandyGames". Embracer Group. 9 July 2018. Archived from the original on 14 February 2020. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
- ^ "Game Play mit MEDIA – siebenstelliger Rekord für deutsche Projekte". www.creative-europe-desk.de. Creative Europe MEDIA. 9 October 2018. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
- ^ Fröhlich, Petra (10 January 2020). "Die größten Spiele-Entwickler in Deutschland 2020" [The largest game developers in Germany 2020]. GamesWirtschaft (in German). Retrieved 30 April 2020.
- ^ Romano, Sal (May 11, 2021). "Embracer Group acquires Appeal Studios, KAIKO, Massive Miniteam, and FRAME BREAK, establishes Gate21". Gematsu. Retrieved May 13, 2021.
- ^ "HandyGames". Deutscher Entwicklerpreis. 11 November 2019.
- ^ Williams, Andrew (January 1, 2006). "Sexy Puzzle 2". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on December 3, 2011.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Furfie, Ben (November 8, 2006). "Porn Manager". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on January 4, 2007.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Thomson, John (November 23, 2006). "Bulldozer Inc". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on December 3, 2011.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Furfie, Ben (February 16, 2007). "Porn Manager 2". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on February 18, 2007.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ James, Chris (May 9, 2008). "The Egyptians". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on November 22, 2021.
- ^ Williams, Andrew (October 9, 2008). "4 in a Wheel". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on October 10, 2008.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Spencer, Spanner (December 19, 2008). "AD 1066". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on December 20, 2008.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Williams, Andrew (December 22, 2008). "The Great Bible Game". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on December 23, 2008.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Mundy, Jon (December 19, 2008). "Romans and Barbarians". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on December 21, 2008.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Brice, Kath (October 15, 2008). "Little Firefighter". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on January 16, 2009.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Williams, Andrew (16 October 2008). "Sexy Twins 1". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on 18 October 2008.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Williams, Andrew (January 2, 2009). "The Great Beer Quiz". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on October 30, 2019.
- ^ Andrew, Keith (January 15, 2009). "World of Dice". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on January 19, 2009.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Wilson, Will (October 15, 2010). "Porn Tycoon". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on October 19, 2010.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Andrew, Keith (September 29, 2010). "Casino Crime". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on October 4, 2010.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Wilson, Will (July 27, 2010). "Shark or Die". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on July 29, 2010.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Mundy, Jon (June 29, 2010). "Guns 'n' Glory". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on June 30, 2010.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ "Truth or Lies for iOS (iPhone/iPad) - GameFAQs". gamefaqs.gamespot.com. Archived from the original on January 16, 2024. Retrieved 2024-01-16.
- ^ "Truth or Lies". NowGaming. February 15, 2011. Archived from the original on January 13, 2024. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
- ^ Wilson, Will (March 29, 2011). "Romans vs Barbarians Gold". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on December 3, 2011.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Andrew, Keith (March 25, 2011). "The Egyptians Gold". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on December 3, 2011.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Andrew, Keith (January 24, 2011). "Cyberlords: Arcology". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on January 25, 2011.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Lee, Matthew (April 6, 2011). "Cyberlords: Arcology". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on April 14, 2011.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Wilson, Will (August 9, 2011). "Hands-on with Clouds and Sheep for Android, iPhone". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on November 22, 2021.
- ^ Wilson, Will (August 3, 2011). "Hands-on with Guns 'n' Glory WW2 for Android, iPhone". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on November 22, 2021.
- ^ Andrew, Keith (January 4, 2011). "Aporkalypse: Pigs of Doom". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on December 3, 2011.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Caldwell, Brendan (March 17, 2011). "Aporkalypse: Pigs of Doom". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on March 21, 2011.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Caldwell, Brendan (June 10, 2011). "Happy Vikings". Pocket Gamer. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on November 22, 2021.
- ^ "Perish (2023)".
- ^ "De-Exit: Eternal Matters".