The R42 Games Hub in Leipzig celebrated its grand opening today. This Saxon project is a building dedicated entirely to the gaming industry, bringing together coworking, gaming, production, and more. Additionally, entrepreneurs from Saxony have formed an alliance to help shape the state's future.
The R42 Games Hub at Ritterstraße 42 in Leipzig was officially opened today. This building is entirely dedicated to the games industry and brings together coworking, gaming, production, events, dining and residential spaces under one roof. The opening ceremony was kicked off by Michael Kretschmer, Prime Minister of the Free State of Saxony, who provided an overview of the state's digital economy. Leipzig's Mayor and Deputy Mayor for Economic Affairs, Labour and Digital Affairs, Clemens Schülke and Christopher Siebenhüner, the initiator of R42 and Managing Director of Gecko Two GmbH, spoke to over 100 guests from politics and business about the impact of the Games Hub.
Michael Woitag, the CEO of the tech company Levelbuild AG and initiator of the new industry association Digital Economy Saxony, described it as a "huge leap forward for Saxony’s digital development". The association was founded that morning at R42 and was also celebrating its grand opening.
R42 Games Hub © Gecko Two
Michael Kretschmer emphasised: "Leipzig is already the heart of the Central German games industry. We want to expand this leading position by launching more businesses and attracting start-ups from all over Germany to the trade fair city. R42 will accelerate innovation in gaming, scale up business models and retain highly qualified professionals in the region. Gaming is no longer a niche market, but rather a driver of innovation and a high-tech growth sector."
During the tour of the building, project initiator Christopher Siebenhüner explained his vision: "We built this place because the games industry needed it — and because we and our partners have always believed that Saxony has the potential to become Germany's strongest games region. Today is not just a kick-off. It is tangible proof that we have long been shaping the future of the games industry independently, rather than waiting for external impetus.”
The R42 Games Hub is located at Ritterstraße 42. Spanning nearly 2,000 square metres, the renovated historic commercial building houses a variety of spaces for work, culture, dining and living, including approximately 70 coworking spaces, a publicly accessible gaming area, a production studio, an event arena with the adjacent full-service Bar42, and apartments for guests from Germany and abroad.
