Let’s Play Games from Brno

Hangar 13 / 2K Czech

Once a powerhouse of the Czech scene—known as Illusion Softworks, the studio that created the Mafia series—it is now part of the American corporation 2K under the Hangar 13 label. That doesn’t make it a minor player, though: about 170 people in Brno worked extensively on the latest installment of Mafia, subtitled The Old Country. The team is still polishing the game and developing a free-roam mode.

Ashborne Games

Founded in 2020, the studio first wrapped up work on the action game Comanche after another team left the project, and then moved to create one of its own. The Last Train Home, a legion-themed strategy game, was a success, though the studio has undergone restructuring. Support came from Warhorse Studios, the Czech gaming giant, which invited it to develop DLC for its Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Part of the group was later moved to Warhorse’s newly established Brno branch, while the rest are working on the upcoming Ashborne project, as well as The Guild, subtitled Europa 1410. The team is led by Gloria-Maria Ionescu, who previously worked as an executive producer at Ashborne.

Warhorse Studios

One of the major players in Prague, and now a newcomer to Brno. Following the success of Kingdom Come: Deliverance, the Warhorse team seized the chance to expand. Part of the staff moved to the Brno branch, which is geographically more convenient for them, while a group from Ashborne Games also joined—led by former team head Petr Kolář, who runs the Brno studio. Warhorse is currently working on expansions for the second installment of Kingdom Come.

Ingame Studios

This team of Czech gaming veterans first made a name for itself in 2021. Two years later, it released its debut title, Crime Boss: Rockay City—a game that brings big-name actors from the 1990s and was panned by critics and players alike. Yet Jack Kotál, head of the studio didn’t give up: it kept updating the game, and its reception improved over time. Nearly 15 seniors and around a half of that number of mid- and juniors out of the nearly 50-strong team continues to work on missions and updates as it plans to keep updating the game next year.

Czech Games Edition

A well-known Prague-based board game developer, responsible for classics like Codenames and Galaxy Trucker. The Brno branch focuses on digital adaptations of these titles and is currently working on an online version of the popular game Lost Ruins of Arnak.

Terahype

In just three years since its founding, the studio has released more than ten mobile games. Its eleventh title, the tower-defense game Boom Castle, generates over $2 million a month and attracts about 400,000 daily players—enough to support the entire studio. Terahype also leans heavily on AI, using it to analyze competing games and mechanics as well as for customer care. The team employs AI to create 3D models and much of the artwork, while emphasizing that all of it is possible only thanks to senior graphic designers who know how to make the most of the tools.

CBE Software

A small independent team best known for the adventure game J.U.L.I.A. and the psychological horror title Someday You'll Return.

Giants Software

The studio behind one of gaming’s most unexpected phenomena—the Farming Simulator series. Based in Switzerland, it also operates branches in Germany, the US, and Brno. The latest installment, Farming Simulator 25, sold more than one million copies in just three months.

Alda Games

A low-profile team that’s been around for more than ten years, Alda deliberately keeps its staff small to ensure the highest, fast and flexible decision-making. The studio has produced successful, mostly mobile games: Transport Tycoon Empire, Sniper Clash, and The Walking Zombie series. They have been downloaded more than 100 million players worldwide.

Bohemia Interactive

Based in Mníšek pod Brdy and operating since 1999, the team now runs seven branches—one in Brno centred around technological innovations. The Brno branch established twenty years ago, around 110 people are working on Arma Reforger, the Arma series, and the Enfusion project.

Noxgames

Over the past twenty years, the studio has gone from making mobile games to producing desktop games as well. Among its best-known titles is the X-Hero series, inspired by the Civilization series, and various RPGs (Mage Legends), as well as games on Steam (Tanks Arena.io). Their hallmark is simple, highly playable hits such as Robot Merge Master.

Madfinger Games

Founded in 2010 by veterans of Mafia, Vietcong, and Hidden & Dangerous 2, the studio spent many years creating top-quality mobile games. Last year, it launched its first PC title, the tactical shooter Gray Zone Warfare, in early access—a release that drew huge interest. The studio continues to refine the game, which recently got a major update called Winds of War. Today, the team numbers around 75 employees.

Grip Studios

Formerly known as Grip Digital, the studio specializes in co-development: it doesn’t create its own games but collaborates with the biggest companies. You may not know the name, but Grip Studios has worked on Mafia: The Old Country, Indiana Jones: The Great Circle, and Arma Reforger. In addition to Brno, the studio has offices in Prague and Bratislava.

Tinysoft

Officially based in Trenčín, Slovakia, the studio carries out most of its work in Brno. This makes it one of the city’s more mobile teams—mainly mobile games… Their most successful RPG Magic War Legends, the top title for iOS. Over the years, its total games have reached over 250 million players.