NineToPlay

Studio Overview

NineToPlay is an independent, female-led video game studio based in the Black Forest region of Germany. Founded by entrepreneur and UX specialist Manuela Ch. Rösch, the studio specializes in the development of system-driven simulation and strategy games. By integrating academic insights from cognitive and social psychology—specifically focusing on human-system interaction, player motivation, and cognitive flow—NineToPlay creates experiences that balance deep, replayable mechanics with accessible, engaging design.

Core Operations

NineToPlay operates through a dual-model approach, balancing the creation of original intellectual property with commercial B2B services:

• First-Party Development: The studio develops original titles, including the medieval family simulation Medieval Legacy and the aquarium management title The Fish Corner. These projects utilize engines such as Unity and Godot to implement complex economic systems and procedural gameplay.
• B2B Services & Consulting: Leveraging its internal "Psychological UX Lab," the studio provides behavioral analysis, friction audits, and serious game development for corporate training, HR onboarding, and tourism marketing.

Regional Impact

As a recipient of the Developer Boost 2025 program from MFG Baden-Württemberg, NineToPlay is a recognized participant in the German games industry. The studio maintains a remote-first operational structure while keeping its corporate headquarters in Achern, Germany. By combining technical engineering with behavioral research, NineToPlay aims to bridge the gap between commercial entertainment and functional, gamified software solutions.