Assemble Entertainment Takes Over PC Publishing for Cralon
Cralon, the debut game from Pithead Studio, has signed with Assemble Entertainment for its PC publishing.
The Collaboration
Originally, co-founders Jennifer and Björn Pankratz opted for self-publishing their game Cralon through Steam. However, to enhance its visibility and reach a broader audience, they have partnered with Assemble Entertainment based in Wiesbaden. This collaboration will provide essential support in marketing, communication, store presence, and community engagement.
The objective behind this partnership is to create a clearer profile for Cralon, allowing it to attract more players while enabling the developers to focus deeply on the game and maintain a close dialogue with the community. It’s noteworthy that the console versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X will continue to be managed by Artex Software, an indie publisher from Frankfurt.
Cralon’s Journey So Far
Since its launch on April 17, 2026, Cralon has faced criticism regarding various elements such as game mechanics, graphics, audio, and level design. Despite this backlash, the team has continued to enhance the Dungeon Crawler; the next update (Update 4) will feature a revamped user interface, typography corrections, and displayed difficulty settings.
Background of Pithead Studio
Björn and Jennifer Pankratz are well-known figures from the now-defunct Piranha Bytes studio, famous for role-playing series like Gothic, Risen, and Elex. They founded their own game startup two years ago with the aim of continuing their legacy while exploring creative freedom.
Stefan Marcinek, founder and CEO of Assemble Entertainment, commented: “Cralon is a very personal project for a small, experienced team. I have known Jenny and Björn for many years. We understand that the release has caused waves. However, we also see a game with character, an engaged community, and developers who are passionate about their work. Our goal is to support Pithead Studio and help Cralon find its appropriate audience.”
Looking Ahead
Pithead Studio co-founder Jenny Pankratz emphasized the excitement surrounding this partnership, stating, “After the independent release of Cralon, we are thrilled to have Assemble Entertainment by our side. Their publishing experience is invaluable, allowing us to focus further on Cralon and our community of players.”
Since its inception in 2016, Assemble Entertainment has released over 50 games, including notable titles like Endzone, Sticky Business, and Grind Survivors. The team, led by Stefan Marcinek, will also be hosting the German Dev Days developer conference in Frankfurt, showcasing the vibrant indie game scene in Germany.
