The 5 most exciting Swiss games you can look forward to

From August 23 to 27, the gaming world will meet in Cologne: the largest computer games fair in the world: Gamescom. A number of major publishers will be represented as exhibitors in the Cologne exhibition halls, for example Bethesda, Blizzard, Konami, Ubisoft and Warner. The Swiss company Giants Software – known for its ‘Farming Simulator’ – is also on site.

In addition to Giants Software, there are a number of other Swiss game manufacturers in Cologne: no fewer than 20 Swiss games will be playable at the SwissGames stand in Hall 4.1 (C050g – B041g). Background: SwissGames is an initiative of the cultural foundation Pro Helvetia, which aims to make Swiss games known all over the world. Hall 4.1 is located on the business park and is therefore only accessible to trade visitors, but not to ‘conventional’ trade fair visitors. That’s exactly why we present five of the games presented there in our list – with trailers, brief information and the planned release date. Some games are scheduled for release this year, and some even offer a downloadable demo right now. Have fun with our Listicle!

Something else: In addition, a handful of studios from the SwissGames booth will present their games in Hall 10.2, which is freely accessible to all visitors to the fair. At the Indie Arena Booth you can play games directly from the studios of Kerzoven, Siro Games, Stardust, Ninoko and Diditopia Games.

“Ultimate God Speed”

Studio: Ninoko (Zurich)
genres: Racing game, platform game
Platform: personal computer
Date of publication: not yet announced

«Ultimate Godspeed» is a very special kart racing party game! You race several laps on the same track – so familiar so far. The highlight: between laps you can change the race track with very different objects! These include platforms, ramparts, deadly sickles, slippery icy surfaces and much more. You can use these items to build shortcuts and of course nasty traps to avoid in the next rounds. Highly commendable: “Ultimate Godspeed” offers a multiplayer mode for up to eight people, locally or over the Internet. Incidentally, the idea for the kart racer originated at the Zurich School of the Arts, where the founders of Ninoko studied together.

«Candle Circle»

Studio: Kerzoven (Zurich)
genres: Construction strategy, life simulation
Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux (Early Access)
Date of publication: not yet announced – demo available

“Circle of Kerzoven” combines the idyllic settlement building with the fascinating simulation of an ecosystem. On different maps with different climate zones, you will experience a game world in which every animal and every plant finds its place in nature – while you lead your villagers into the future. All these factors come together to raise tough questions, such as how much you share with nature – and whether you are actually exterminating certain animals. “In ‘Circle of Kerzoven’, the balance between humans and nature is not determined by a point system and thresholds, as in other games, but by the simulation itself,” said game designer Marco Burri in a recent interview with GAMES. CH. Incidentally, Burri is a professional automation and systems engineer – hence his predilection for detailed simulation models and control loops. We’re excited! There’s already a demo for the game on Steam.

“Seven Dwarfs: Legends Untold”

Studio: Surprised Turtle Studios (Zurich)
Genre: Coop Roguelite
Platforms: pc, mac
Date of publication: not yet announced

Almost everyone knows the fairy tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. In «Seven Dwarfs: Legends Untold» you can now influence the plot of the legendary story yourself! Up to four players battle in co-op mode against the henchmen of the evil queen who is after Snow White. Each dwarf has its own abilities and gameplay mechanics, allowing you to assemble a powerful, variable team. Since “Seven Dwarfs” is a roguelite, the game session restarts after the death of all dwarves. The procedurally generated levels and diverse biomes promise long-lasting fun.

“Truth Detectives”

Studio: Studio ZB (Zurich, Berlin)
genres: Serious game, puzzle game
Platforms: pc, mac
Date of publication: expected 2025 – demo available

The world is full of wars and armed conflicts. Activists and journalists are trying to document the many war crimes and human rights violations. A particularly challenging task is reconstructing what happened from photos, videos and other data, some of which are also available on social media. Using open source intelligence methods (OSINT), such as geolocation tracking or satellite imagery analysis, the pieces of the puzzle can gradually be put together. In “Truth Detectives” you take on the role of an OSINT investigator – that’s very exciting! Incidentally, the game is based on the documentary film of the same name that Studio ZB released in 2017.

«Pocket oasis»

Studio: knit-and-purl game studio (Zurich)
Genre: simulation
Platforms: PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
Date of publication: 1st quarter 2024

In the game “Pocket Oasis” you make your own virtual balcony green! High above the rooftops of the city – your choice in New York, Paris, London or Tokyo – grow potted plants, protect them from pests and make jam from the fruits! Each plant has its own needs in terms of sun, shade, soil and watering. The hand-drawn graphics and dreamy soundtrack make «Pocket Oasis» a very relaxing experience.

Here is the full list of all exhibitors at the SwissGames booth:

“Shelf Builders” from Diditopia Games
“Stylish” from Traveler Games with hood
«Pocket oasis» by Knit’n’Purl Game Studio
“Swim Party” from Lakeview Games
“Castle Come” from running running
“Munich” from Mac n Cheese Games
“Flying Toyz” from Momento Games
“Robbery Schoolers” by Narave
“Psychotic Bathtub” by natsha
“Ultimate God Speed” by Ninoko
“Echo of the Waves” from Oneira Games
“Tom the Mail Girl” from Oopsie Daisies
«Weko the Mask Collector» from Siro Games
Grimoire groves from Stardust
“Trailblazers” by strangers
“Truth Detectives” from Studio ZB
“Seven Dwarfs: Legends Untold” from Surprised Turtle Studios
«Candle Circle» from Kerzoven
“Turtle” from Twisted BrainZ
“Light Clash AR” from Vizar Technologies