The gaming company Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite, announces that it is opening a new studio in Cologne. The studio will be led by renowned German gaming figures known since the 80s. Factor 5 is associated with games like Katakis, R-Type, or Turrican. The announcement comes before the start of gamescom 2019 in Cologne.
This is the announcement: Epic Games is opening a studio in Cologne. The studio will be led by the former heads of the German gaming studio “Factor 5.” This studio was founded in 1987 by five friends, including Achim Möller. Later, Julian Eggebrecht joined.
Achim Möller and Julian Eggebrecht will now lead the new studio of Epic Games, which is named “Epic Games Cologne.”
Eggebrecht says: “At the center of Epic’s success are highly skilled and dedicated individuals. Germany is a country at the forefront of technology. We are excited to expand our presence locally by creating new positions and attracting exceptional talent.”
In Cologne, they are currently looking for a “QA Analyst.”
What is the studio intended for? It is said that the studio will be part of the company’s new focus on interactive media and streaming technology.
Therefore, it is suspected by Gamespot that no new games will be developed in Cologne, but rather that it will support other studios.
It could also become a platform competing with Twitch or Mixer, after Epic Games has already taken on the battle against Steam.
The developers have been active since the 80s
How do we know the developers? The studio “Factor 5” was popular at a time when German games were among the hits. Factor 5 is known for converting famous shooters and action games from the 80s:
- Katakis for the Amiga – 1988
- R-Type for the Amiga – 1989
- Turrican for the Amiga and later also for SNES and Mega Drive – 1990/1993
- Factor 5 became known to a larger audience in 1998 when they brought Star Wars: Rogue Squadron to N64 and PC
The studio Factor 5 was dissolved in 2010 – but re-established in 2017.
Epic has been one of the major players in the gaming market since the success of Fortnite: Battle Royale and has shaped headlines and developments in recent months:
