Cyanide

Cyanide is a French video game developer based in Nanterre, with a portfolio spanning sports management simulations, tactical role-playing games, stealth action and adaptations of fantasy and tabletop properties. Founded in 2000 by former Ubisoft professionals, the studio develops games for PC and consoles, combining systems-driven design with narrative and licensed worlds.

Its earliest work grew from the founders’ interest in professional cycling. The studio released Cycling Manager in 2001, establishing a sports simulation franchise that evolved into Pro Cycling Manager on PC and Tour de France on consoles. Cycling games became a recurring part of its output as the company expanded into other genres.

From sports simulations to fantasy worlds

Cyanide’s broader portfolio includes the mythological action RPG Loki: Heroes of Mythology, the Blood Bowl series and Space Hulk: Tactics. Its adaptations of George R. R. Martin’s fictional universe encompass both the strategy game A Game of Thrones: Genesis and the Game of Thrones action RPG.

The studio co-developed Of Orcs and Men with Spiders, introducing a setting that subsequently supported its Styx stealth games. Other releases include Call of Cthulhu, Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Earthblood, Chef Life: A Restaurant Simulator and Rogue Lords, the latter co-developed with Leikir Studio. This range reflects a development history extending from management and simulation to tactical combat, exploration and character-focused adventures.

Development and company history

The studio’s capabilities cover full-cycle game development, systems and mechanics design, gameplay programming, 3D art, character animation, narrative development, engine optimization and multiplatform porting. Its reported technology experience includes proprietary game engines, Unity and Unreal Engine.

Bigben Interactive, subsequently renamed Nacon, acquired Cyanide in May 2018. In April 2026, Cyanide entered court-supervised judicial reorganization amid financial difficulties affecting its parent group. The studio continued operating during restructuring and concentrated its ongoing development at Nanterre following the closure of its Bordeaux branch.