Duesseldorf/Germany, May 20, 2025 – astragon Entertainment, a leading developer and publisher of simulation games and part of the everplay group plc, is pleased to announce the renaming of Independent Arts Software GmbH to astragon Development GmbH with immediate effect. In addition to the new company name, leadership changes have taken effect as of April 2025.
New Name to align with market strategy
In April 2023, astragon Entertainment acquired Independent Arts Software, one of Germany’s longest-established game development studios. This acquisition has allowed astragon to further expand its business, strengthen the development of both existing and new proprietary simulation game IPs, and diversify its in-house production portfolio across multiple platforms.
The new company name astragon Development marks a strategic step toward strengthening the studio’s focus on developing owned IP simulation games as well as enhancing collaboration between both companies. This direction is already evident in the studio’s latest project, Seafarer: The Ship Sim, a recently announced project scheduled to be released in Early Access in 2025.
Changes in strategic leadership roles
Holger Kuchling, Founder and CEO of Independent Arts Software, will gradually transition the company into new hands over the coming months. Julia Pfiffer and Tim Schmitz take over the role as CEOs of astragon Development with immediate effect. Kuchling will continue to actively support the company until 31 August 2025 and will remain with the company in an advisory capacity afterwards.
Additionally, Christian Grunwald has joined astragon Development as Studio Manager. In this role, he will support the operational management and drive the studio’s sustainable expansion. With 24 years of experience in the games industry, Grunwald has worked with renowned companies such as Travian Games, Deep Silver, and Ubisoft, where he served as Lead Producer. He is also familiar with astragon Entertainment, having been part of the company from 2013 to 2019.
Julia Pfiffer, Co-CEO of astragon, commented:
“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, commented:
“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.”
