Founded in 1995 by four passionate developers in Mainz, Germany, Related Designs built its reputation as a master of intricate city-building and economic simulation experiences. The studio initially focused on developing medium-priced games, advertising titles, and online experiences before establishing itself as the driving force behind one of PC gaming's most beloved franchises. Related Designs became famous for taking over and expanding the celebrated Anno series, crafting complex urban planning and resource management experiences that challenged players to build thriving civilizations across different historical eras. After Ubisoft acquired a 30% stake in 2007 and full ownership in 2013, the studio's expertise in creating deep, interconnected economic systems became integral to Ubisoft's strategy portfolio. Now operating as Ubisoft Mainz, the studio continues to push the boundaries of the city-building genre, maintaining its commitment to the meticulous attention to detail and sophisticated gameplay mechanics that made the Anno franchise a cornerstone of German game development excellence.