German Games PR Veteran Marchsreiter Communications Announces Closure

Marchsreiter Communications, one of Germany’s longest-standing PR agencies specializing in the games industry, has ceased operations. Founder and CEO Dieter Marchsreiter announced the decision on LinkedIn, marking yet another case of an established games communications agency falling victim – albeit indirectly – to the ongoing crisis in the games sector.

The Munich-based agency, known for serving numerous international and local game developers, publishers, event organizers, and funding bodies, found its previous business model no longer viable amid the global industry’s structural shifts and market contraction.

Founder’s Statement: “A Difficult but Unavoidable Decision”

Dieter Marchsreiter stated:

“I have made the difficult decision to wind down Marchsreiter Communications GmbH. As the industry I grew up with still continues to reset and redefine its future, a lack of sustainable future projects in the German and Polish markets, combined with the current state of the global games industry, has brought us to a point where continuing in the same structure is no longer viable.”

He added:

“After more than 20 years in business, this step was not an easy one. What remains, above all, is gratitude. First and foremost to all team members, past and present: your passion, professionalism, and resilience shaped the agency. To all our partners, clients, and friends across the games and media industry: thank you for your trust and collaboration.”

“I also kindly ask industry colleagues to consider the German and Polish team members of Marchsreiter Communications for any open roles – they come with my highest recommendation.”

“It was particularly important to me to transition our clients into a strong and future-oriented setup. Therefore, I decided to bring the gaming expertise of my agency together with trusted partners and friends at Ranieri Agency.”

Ranieri Agency to Take Over Part of Client Portfolio

Ranieri Agency will assume a portion of Marchsreiter Communications’ client portfolio and continue to support them with an expanded, cross-industry communications offering spanning gaming, tech, consumer electronics, and lifestyle.

Michael Trier, Director and authorized signatory of Ranieri Agency Germany, commented:

“We have tremendous respect for what Dieter Marchsreiter has built over more than two decades – both as an entrepreneur and as one of the defining figures in games communications. We are grateful for the trust placed in us and see this as both a responsibility and an opportunity. By bringing together our expertise, networks, and capabilities, we are creating a stronger, more future-focused setup for clients – opening up new perspectives for games and brands to reach broader audiences.”

Founder to Continue as Independent Advisor

Dieter Marchsreiter will support Ranieri Agency moving forward as an independent advisor.

Legacy and Industry Impact

Founded in 2005, Marchsreiter Communications was one of Germany’s most senior PR agencies dedicated to the games industry. Just last year, the company celebrated its 20th anniversary with clients and friends in Munich.

Founder Dieter Marchsreiter began his career in 1989 as a games journalist, moved into PR in 1997, and founded his own agency in 2005. His client roster reads like a who’s who of the industry, including (in alphabetical order): 11bit Studios, Aerosoft, Amazon, Bungie, Crytek, Modus, Netflix Games, Nexon, Rebellion, Square Enix, Scopely, SNK, Starbreeze, Tencent, Wired, Xsolla, as well as events such as DCP, devcom, DevGamm, gamesco, Games Industry Conference, and Nordic Game.

For the European games industry, this is not just another closure. Marchsreiter Communications had long been a familiar name in games PR, events, influencer work, and international campaigns. Its closure sends a broader market signal: at a time when studios are cutting costs, publishers are growing more cautious, and smaller teams are operating on tight budgets, the traditional PR model is under significant strain.

Industry Observation: Communication Still Needed, Models Must Evolve

While the closure of Marchsreiter Communications is regrettable, the need for professional games communication has not disappeared. Developers still require clear messaging, usable press kits, strong Steam pages, better trailers, and effective outreach. However, communications work must now be sharper, leaner, and more practical than ever.

For smaller teams, the lesson is direct: communication must start earlier. A game can be good and still go unnoticed if its store page is unclear, its trailer fails to explain the hook, or its press materials make it difficult for journalists and creators to understand why the game matters.

Looking Ahead

With the closure of Marchsreiter Communications, a chapter spanning more than two decades comes to an end. But the experience, talent, and client relationships built over those years will continue under the umbrella of Ranieri Agency. As Dieter Marchsreiter said:

“While this chapter is coming to a close, these relationships and experiences will carry forward.”

About Ranieri Agency
Ranieri Agency is an integrated communications firm specializing in gaming, technology, consumer electronics, and lifestyle, offering strategic communications and brand promotion.

About Marchsreiter Communications
Founded in 2005 and based in Munich, Marchsreiter Communications GmbH was one of the most influential PR agencies in the German-speaking games industry. It ceased operations in May 2026.