In the pulsating heart of Berlin, where creativity and technology dance in a vibrant symphony, a bold venture is poised to transform the landscape of gaming in Germany— the “House of Games.” This revolutionary project is envisioned as a creative haven—a thrilling convergence of a developer studio and an interactive gaming museum, destined to catapult Berlin to the forefront of the global gaming scene. Just a stone’s throw from the iconic Alexanderplatz, the atmosphere at Wooga’s bustling office in “Backfabrik” is alive with energy. The walls are adorned with colorful artwork of beloved gaming characters, while the scent of fresh coffee fills the air, mingling with laughter as colleagues collaborate. Martin Müller, the pensive Vice President of Games at Wooga, likens the buzz to a fertile creative chaos. Here, innovation springs from the collective ideas of diverse minds and discussions flourish like the flourishing vines in a garden. Since 2009, Wooga has carved its niche in the gaming universe with its engaging casual games, winning over players of all ages—especially older women who find joy in titles like “June’s Journey,” which has garnered over a billion euros in revenue. Müller emphasizes that these games serve as a bridge into the captivating world of gaming, inviting all to dive into storytelling and puzzles without the need for a PhD in video game mechanics. As the German gaming industry swells towards an impressive ten billion euro valuation this year alone, Berlin proudly claims its title as the country’s “Game Capital.” Yet, the light that burns bright locally struggles to shine on the world stage, partly dimmed by the federal government’s freezing of crucial subsidies intended to propel the industry forward. Despite having the fifth largest market globally, the comforts of this digital oasis face challenges from greater incentives offered by countries like Canada and France. Amidst this backdrop, the House of Games emerges like a beacon of hope—a vibrant hub where large and small developers can flourish side by side. Financially backed by the Berlin Senate, the vision is clear: create a space where collaboration ignites innovation, bringing together industry veterans and fresh talent under one roof. The project is akin to a nurturing garden, allowing diverse ideas to bloom and bear fruit. With Ubisoft slated as the anchor tenant, alongside a spectrum of smaller studios and beloved gaming associations, this innovative space will also host the world’s largest playable collection of video games, transforming nostalgia into an immersive reality. Imagine a year-round festival of gaming—a place where the latest creations are showcased, and players can lose themselves in memories of digital adventures past. The search for the perfect location is underway, with ambitious plans aiming for a grand opening by the beginning of 2026. As negotiations for potential sites commence, excitement bubbles beneath the surface like a pre-game adrenaline rush. Will Berlin give birth to its next blockbuster—a game crafted entirely within its own walls? Benedikt Grindel from Ubisoft certainly believes it is not only possible but inevitable. “This will be a House of Games product,” he asserts, eyes twinkling with vision and promise for Berlin’s thriving gaming future.
Original Source: www.rbb24.de
