Realmforge Studios takes over future development of Tropico series

Realmforge Studios, the studio behind Dungeons 3 and the upcoming Spacebase Startopia, will take over development of the future development of the Tropico series, publisher Kalypso Media announced.

The German developer will make its first contribution to the Tropico series with the Tropico 6 downloadable content “Caribbean Skies,” which is due out on December 16 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam.

Kalypso Media extended its previous shares in Realmforge Studios from 60 to 100 percent at the beginning of 2020, ensuring a complete takeover of the studio. The companies had an exclusive publishing relationship for more than a decade prior.

“The expansion and complete takeover of the shares is a logical consequence of our strategy to expand our own development resources not only in Germany but internationally,” said Kalypso Media managing partner Simon Hellwig in a press release. “We are offering the highly qualified, motivated team in Munich the opportunity to focus exclusively on the further development of exciting franchises such as Tropico, Dungeons, and Spacebase Startopia in the future.”

Realmforge Studios co-head Christian Wolfertstetter added, “Developing complex city-builder and strategy games with that special x-factor element, that are well-received within the community and the wider market on all platforms—that’s something we do well. The Tropico brand is therefore a perfect fit for us.”

Benjamin Rauscher, also co-head of Realmforge Studios, said, “We are very fortunate to have had a strong and secure publishing partner in Kalypso for over 10 years, who supports us at all times and shares our philosophy. At the same time, it is a great honor and a great responsibility for us to have such an important franchise as Tropico in our hands.”