Astragon closes Independent Arts successor studio Astragon Development
German simulation studio Astragon Development, previously known as Independent Arts Software, has been closed by its parent company Astragon Entertainment as part of a strategic realignment. The closure directly affects more than 40 employees.
Founded in Hamm in 1990 by Holger Kuchling, Independent Arts Software developed over 250 games across three decades of operation, establishing itself as a prolific contributor to the gaming industry. The studio was primarily known for its port work and co-development services for major publishers including Kalypso Media, Daedalic Entertainment, and Wild River Games. Its portfolio spanned multiple genres and platforms, reflecting the diverse nature of its work as a support studio.
Astragon Entertainment has committed to seeking “socially responsible solutions” for the affected employees as part of the closure process. The studio’s closure represents another notable consolidation in the games industry, reflecting ongoing strategic shifts among publishers and developers navigating current market conditions. The loss of Independent Arts Software removes a studio with significant institutional knowledge accumulated over more than three decades of games development.