Ubisoft Blue Byte has received €800,729 in funding from the German Federal Games Funding Programme for "Projekt Echo". Ubisoft Mainz has been named as the executing entity - it will probably be related to Anno.
The funding period runs from 1 January to 30 September 2026, so it is highly likely that the money will be allocated to the production of downloadable content for Anno 117: Pax Romana, with "Dawn of the Delta" (DLC #3) set to be the most extensive expansion of the first year.
The first DLC is called "Prophecies of Ash" and is scheduled for April 2026. Here, players will find the largest island ever created in Anno, complete with a massive volcano and a new deity to worship - probably inspired by Pompeii. The second DLC, titled "The Hippodrome", features the largest monument in Anno history, inspired by the Circus Maximus. Players can host chariot races there to entertain their citizens, increase their prestige and attract elite specialists from across the empire. The third DLC is named "Dawn of the Delta". This DLC includes a new province characterised by vast deserts and a mighty river, likely inspired by Egypt. Players will encounter new gods and a different culture as they establish their rule in this distant border region and expand the influence of Roman civilisation. The Year 1 Pass is included in the Gold Edition of Anno 117 and is also available to purchase separately for €34.99.
The main game, Anno 117: Pax Romana, has already received €5,697,585 in funding - the highest amount ever awarded by the German Federal Games Funding Programme. A few weeks ago, 'Blueprint' received €220,590 in funding, which went entirely to Ubisoft Blue Byte in Düsseldorf.
On the subject of DLC, the first cosmetic DLC for Anno 117: Pax Romana, the Marvellous Mosaic Pack, will be available on 19 February 2026. Featuring detailed and colourful patterns made from small stones, it will cost €7. As with Anno 1800, Ubisoft is known for separating cosmetic DLCs, which have no effect on gameplay, from content DLCs, which expand the gameplay.
