Gameforge

Gameforge is a provider of online games. It represents a group of companies that operates internationally and has its headquarters in Karlsruhe, Germany. It distributes roughly 20 games, translated into over 50 languages with about 400 million registered users. Their portfolio contains client-based massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs) such as TERA, Metin2, Runes of Magic, Wizard101 and S.K.I.L.L. Special Force 2 as well as browser-based online games such as OGame, BiteFight or Ikariam. They also operate mobile games. Gameforge employs a staff of over 500 and was founded by its Chief Executive Officer Alexander Rösner and former CEO Klaas Kersting in 2003.

Gameforge was one of the first companies in Europe to offer its games using the free-to-play business model. Game access and clients are mostly free of charge. The products are financed by shop systems where players can buy comfort and service functions such as mounts to ride, or equipment and personalisations for money. Gameforge was one of the first western companies to adapt to this invariably important business model that has its origins in Asia.

The company was founded in December 2003 under the name of Gameforge GmbH in Karlsruhe by Alexander Rösner and Klaas Kersting. One of the company’s first titles was OGame which Alexander Rösner had developed prior to the company foundation all by himself. In September 2006, the company’s legal structure was converted into an incorporated company which took the name Gameforge AG. It functions as a holding of the affiliated company Gameforge 4D GmbH. Gameforge currently operates and markets twelve client-based online games, nine browser games and five mobile games.

The years from 2006 to 2010 were characterised by a strong growth in the number of players and employees. In 2007, the company had about 100 employees; the number increased to 200 by the end of 2008, to 360 by the end of 2009 and finally, to 450 in 2010 (650 including those from Frogster Interactive Pictures AG). In November 2011, the company announced a realignment of internal structures. Following the integration of Gameforge and Frogster's operating units, "Client Games" and "Web Games" were replaced with "Development" and "Publishing" sections. In addition to structural measures, the workforce was reduced and products that were not meeting expectations were adjusted. In 2009, the company reached the mark of 100 million registered players. By the end of 2010, the number grew to 200 million and, in 2011, to 300 million. The number currently stands (December 2013) at about 400 million registered players.