The Best PC Role-Playing Games of the Last 15 Years by German Developers

Over the past 15 years, the German gaming industry has established itself as a leading force in the development of role-playing games. German studios have created globally recognized and beloved RPGs, known for their innovative mechanics, deep stories, and immersive worlds. In this article, we will explore some of the best PC role-playing games developed by German studios over the last decade and a half.

1. Gothic 3 (2006) – Piranha Bytes
The "Gothic" series holds a special place in German gaming history. Although "Gothic 3" was released in 2006, it remains one of the most influential RPGs of the last 15 years. Developed by Piranha Bytes, the game throws players into an open world full of dangers, mysteries, and choices that significantly impact the story. The combination of an expansive world, dense atmosphere, and challenging gameplay has made "Gothic 3" a classic, with a loyal fanbase that continues to this day.

2. Risen (2009) – Piranha Bytes
Following "Gothic 3," Piranha Bytes decided to take a new direction with "Risen." This game offers an intriguing mix of classic RPG elements and fresh ideas. Set on a mysterious island populated by ancient temples and dangerous creatures, "Risen" captivates with its intense atmosphere, complex characters, and the ability to influence the story's outcome through player choices.

3. The Dark Eye: Drakensang (2008) – Radon Labs
Based on the popular German pen-and-paper RPG "Das Schwarze Auge" (The Dark Eye), Radon Labs brought "Drakensang" to life as a classic RPG that delighted both fans of the original and newcomers. With a detailed world built on the deep lore of The Dark Eye, "Drakensang" offers a rich narrative, tactical combat, and intricate character development. The game's success led to a sequel titled "Drakensang: The River of Time" (2010).

4. ELEX (2017) – Piranha Bytes
Piranha Bytes returned in 2017 with "ELEX," once again demonstrating why they are masters of open-world RPGs. "ELEX" combines science fiction and fantasy elements in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by factions, conflicts, and a mysterious energy source known as Elex. The game excels in giving players the freedom to explore its world and make decisions that shape the story's course. With its complex mechanics and atmospheric world, "ELEX" stands as another highlight in the studio's portfolio.

5. The Surge (2017) – Deck13 Interactive
Deck13 Interactive created a unique RPG with "The Surge," distinguished by its innovative combat system and dark setting. Set in a dystopian future where machines have taken control, players fight in an exoskeleton against powerful enemies. The game is particularly known for its tactical combat and the ability to sever enemies' limbs to acquire their gear. "The Surge" stands out with its mechanical depth and challenging gameplay, offering a fresh take on the RPG genre.

6. The Dark Eye: Book of Heroes (2020) – Random Potion Oy
Though "Book of Heroes" was developed in collaboration with Finnish studio Random Potion Oy, it deserves a spot on this list due to its deep roots in The Dark Eye universe. The game blends classic RPG mechanics with cooperative adventures, allowing players to explore the world of Aventuria together. While it didn't achieve the same success as earlier Dark Eye titles, it still found a niche among fans who value collaboration and classic fantasy settings

Conclusion

The past 15 years have shown that German development studios are capable of creating outstanding RPGs that garner both national and international acclaim. From the dark worlds of "Gothic 3" and "Risen" to the innovative mechanics of "The Surge," these games have enriched the RPG genre in diverse ways. It will be exciting to see what new adventures and worlds German developers will offer us in the future. 

What is very sad is that most of the studios mentioned have unfortunately fallen victim to the tough situation in the video game industry, sometimes through no fault of their own. Radon Labs were the first to go bankrupt and most recently the very likeable studio Pyranha Bytes, which had an extremely loyal fan base.

Kind regards and thanks for your interest,

Andy