We at Toukana Interactive are absolutely thrilled to announce that we have been honored with the Studio of the Year award at the Deutscher Entwicklerpreis (DEP) 2025. This recognition means the world to us. Especially because this award is given by our peers in the industry, for the industry. It feels like a vote of confidence from the community of creators we admire most.
This win comes at a special time for us: Toukana has now existed for five years. Half a decade of learning, experimenting, stumbling, growing, and above all, of making games together. As a now 9-person indie studio from Berlin, we hope we can continue to exist for many more years to come. We hope to carry forward the values that define us: a commitment to quality and thoughtful design, a wholesome and sustainable work environment, and the desire to keep learning rather than standing still.
What the Jury Said
“Constant innovation is rare.
True identity even rarer.
The Studio of the Year proves that you can celebrate global success even without a big publisher.
The expert jury was convinced by the clear vision and an outstanding craft sensibility.
A team that has shaped the German indie scene and will continue to shape it."
"A constant feel for game design, storytelling and art direction."
"The achievement of this independent studio with self-publishing is outstanding."
These words connect deeply with how we see ourselves: a small but determined indie studio. And now one recognized for its ambition, identity and craft.
Our Thanks ... and What This Win Means to Us
We were at the right place at the right time. The founders of Toukana fit together truly like four puzzle pieces. We are unbelievably lucky that it works this way. A huge thank you to the industry. We were welcomed with so much love. We received so much support.
This year has been a wild ride. After our surprise success with Dorfromantik, we consciously decided to try something different. To keep learning. To expand our team a little.
But most importantly: Thank you to all of you who play our games. Without you, we wouldn’t exist as a studio. Without you, we couldn’t do what brings us the most joy.
Thank you for walking this path with us. Not just appreciating a single game we’ve made, but supporting us as a studio, as a team, as a group of people trying to grow, improve and create meaningful experiences. Your support allows us to keep going, keep learning, and keep shaping what Toukana will be in the future.
Thank you all for believing in what we do. We couldn’t be more honored, and we can’t wait to share what’s next. Thanks to our amazing team, without which we wouldn't be where we are now as a studio. And thank you as well to our project partners (especially our friends at Kurzgesagt for Star Birds!) and to our friends in the industry. A huge thanks also to the Game Design programme at our former university, HTW Berlin, where we found fantastic mentors and friends.
With gratitude,
The Toukana Interactive Team
About the Deutscher Entwicklerpreis (DEP)
The Deutscher Entwicklerpreis is the oldest and one of the most respected awards for video- and computer-game development in the German-speaking region. It has been presented annually since 2004.
The ceremony honours outstanding contributions from studios across Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
With categories ranging from “Best German Game” and “Best Indie Game” to “Studio of the Year,” DEP celebrates creativity, technical excellence and artistic vision. Whether from big teams or small independent developers.
👉 Watch the full award show here!
Toukana Interactive is an indie game studio located in Berlin. Founded in 2020 by four students, we’ve since grown to a team of nine people and two dogs. In addition to Dorfromantik, our second title, Star Birds, is now available in Early Access. We’re passionate about minimalist design and wholesome games.
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