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Stephan Steininger

Stephan Steininger

Stephan Steininger is Director of Operations and Editor-in-Chief of GamesMarket. As part of the magazine since its inception in 2001, he knows the GSA games industry by heart.

Playing Mantis Announces Debut Title Solstride

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Playing Mantis Announces Debut Title Solstride

Founded in early 2025, the studio Playing Mantis announced its debut game Solstride at the German Indie Showcase. It is, in a sense, a test project for the studio builder by Thomas Rössig and Thorsten Hamdorf, which is currently in stealth mode.

By Stephan Steininger • 2 min read

Plaion and Focus Entertainment Expand Partnership With New Distribution Agreement — John Carpenter's Toxic Commando, which will be released on March 12, 2026, is the first game that Plaion will distribute physically worldwide under the new contract for Focus

Business

Plaion and Focus Entertainment Expand Partnership With New Distribution Agreement

Austrian distributor Plaion is further expanding its partnership with French publisher Focus Entertainment. Thanks to a new contract, Plaion will take over worldwide physical distribution of Focus' new releases, starting with John Carpenter's Toxic Commando.

By Stephan Steininger • 2 min read

Oliver Kaltner Hands Over CEO Role at Cherry

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Oliver Kaltner Hands Over CEO Role at Cherry

With his current contract coming to an end, Cherry CEO Oliver Kaltner is moving into a consulting role. Rogier Volmer will take over as interim CEO on January 1, as Cherry enters a crucial phase.

By Stephan Steininger • 1 min read

Everplay and Hiro Games Support Bulkhead in Its Separation From Tencent — Frank Sagnier, Interim Executive Chair of everplay

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Everplay and Hiro Games Support Bulkhead in Its Separation From Tencent

Everplay and Hiro Capital have acquired minority stakes in the new gaming company Super Media Group (SMG), which purchased Bulkhead from Tencent. SMG is backed by managers from Bulkhead.

By Stephan Steininger • 1 min read

Play! Con Confirms 5th Edition in November 2026 — Pictures by Chris Dreyer (Left), Fabian Arens (both in the Middle), Laura Scholzen (Right)

Business

Play! Con Confirms 5th Edition in November 2026

Next year, Play! Con 2026 will take place on November 7 and 8 at Messepark Trier. The organizer is planning further growth for the fifth edition.

By Stephan Steininger • 1 min read

Tolima Wins Three Belgian Game Awards With Koira

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Tolima Wins Three Belgian Game Awards With Koira

One day before the Game Awards, the Belgian industry presented its awards for the year, accompanied by a Steam sale. The main category went to Studio Tolima, which received a total of three awards.

By Stephan Steininger • 1 min read

Business

Xsolla Unveils New Brand Identity

Xsolla is accompanying The Game Awards, including its side events, with a series of activities. The company itself is using the opportunity to present its new brand identity to the industry.

By Stephan Steininger • 2 min read

Crytek Founder and CEO Avni Yerli Brings Hannes Seifert on Board as Co-CEO — Avni Yerli and Hannes Seifert lead Crytek as Co-CEOs

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Crytek Founder and CEO Avni Yerli Brings Hannes Seifert on Board as Co-CEO

Hannes Seifert will be joining the Frankfurt-based studio Crytek on January 1. Seifert will share responsibility as co-CEO with founder and CEO Avni Yerli and will expand the management team, which also includes Christopher Schmitz (COO), Clive Gratton (CTO), and Volker Vorbrodt (CFO).

By Stephan Steininger • 2 min read

Unity Awards: GSA Nominees Come Away Empty-Handed — Jas Sanghani, Social Media Manager at Unity, and Joy Horvath, Senior Program Manager Elevate (from Left) hosted the stream

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Unity Awards: GSA Nominees Come Away Empty-Handed

The 17th Unity Awards once again honored outstanding games and helpful tools from around the world. None of the nominees from Germany, Switzerland and Austria won an award. However, Cologne-based Mellow Games received a Social Impact Award for Blueberry.

By Stephan Steininger • 2 min read

European Trade Unions Exchange Ideas and Cooperate on Gaming Initiatives

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European Trade Unions Exchange Ideas and Cooperate on Gaming Initiatives

Trade unions involved in gaming from Europe's five largest markets have decided to work more closely together following discussions in Paris. The working group that has been formed is planning specific actions in the near future.

By Stephan Steininger • 2 min read

Room 8 Group Welcomes Eugene Evans as Member of Its Advisory Board

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Room 8 Group Welcomes Eugene Evans as Member of Its Advisory Board

External game development studio Room 8 Group has won Eugene Evans, an experienced industry veteran, to join its advisory board.

By Stephan Steininger • 1 min read

Nordic Games Conference Confirms First Speakers for 2026

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Nordic Games Conference Confirms First Speakers for 2026

Nordic Game has revealed the first details about its 2026 conference. It will take place from May 26 to 29 at Slagthuset in Malmö. Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, Eugene Evans, Christian Fonnesbech, and many more have already been confirmed as speakers.

By Stephan Steininger • 2 min read