Astragon closes Astragon Development, formerly Independent Arts Software

Astragon Entertainment is closing Astragon Development, the German studio previously known as Independent Arts Software. According to GamesMarket, as reported by GamesIndustry.biz, more than 40 employees are affected. The company is now seeking "socially responsible solutions" for them. GamesMarket described the closure as part of a strategic realignment.

Holger Kuchling founded Independent Arts in Hamm in 1990. Over three decades the studio worked on more than 250 games. It was best known for ports and co-development work for publishers including Kalypso Media, Daedalic Entertainment and Wild River Games.

Team17, now known as Everplay Group, acquired Astragon in 2022. Astragon then acquired Independent Arts Software in April 2023 for up to $3.9 million (€3.5m). At the time it planned to bring development of its working simulation games in-house and expand its portfolio across more platforms. Kuchling left in February 2025, and the studio was renamed Astragon Development three months later.

The closure is the latest in a series of cutbacks at Astragon. In January, the publisher pulled out of physical distribution entirely to focus on publishing.

It also follows the full release of Seafarer: The Ship Sim at the end of September. The game received more than $2 million (€1.8m) in German federal funding. GamesMarket reported that its 1.0 launch drew far fewer players than its early access debut, and that user reviews were "Mixed." Astragon has said it will continue updating the game for now.