Studio
Mad About Pandas is an award-winning independent game studio based in Berlin, founded in 2005 by Patrick Rau. Originally operating under the name kunst-stoff, the studio created innovative games and interactive installations, while also working on commissioned projects for clients such as Goethe Institute or Disney.
After many years developing acclaimed handheld and mobile titles such as The Great Jitters: Pudding Panic, Forever Forest, Truck Simulation 16, Laika, and Galaxy Racers (published by Ubisoft), the studio shifted its focus toward AA games for PC and consoles, characterized by a distinctive atmosphere of playfulness and surrealism. This transition was marked by the narrative-driven adventure Hitchhiker – A Mystery Game.
In 2023, Mad About Pandas announced a partnership with Focus Entertainment to develop a new title, the narrative-driven first-person puzzle shooter Yerba Buena.
The Mad About Pandas Yerba Buena Team
Creative Directors
Patrick Rau
Dan Mayer
Head of Finance
Katharina Lakner
Head of Production
Timo Ruberg
Technical Directors
Max Beutling
Martin Noblé
Lead Programmer
Martin Noblé
Programmers
Tobias Behr
Ricardo Biolchini
Martin Bremer
Noah Hübner
Kateryna Pinchuk
Ralf Strecker
Lead Audio Programmer
Max Beutling
Audio Programmer
Ralf Strecker
Art Director
Giulia Pratillo
Concept Artists
Maresa Althof
Maurice Crossier
Giulia Pratillo
Alexander Tilly
Character Artist
Christopher Bukal Chilicuisa
Environmental Artists
Maresa Althof
Alexander Tilly
Set Dressing & Prop Artists
Maresa Althof
Christopher Bukal Chilicuisa
Pia Redeker
Alexander Tilly
Lead Technical Artist
Cansu Aydın
Technical Artist
Noah Garcia
Lead Animator
Vanessa Herrmann
Animator
Mino Stratmann
2D Animator
Maurice Crossier
Storyboard Artists
Maurice Crossier
Vanessa Herrmann
Kateryna Pinchuk
User Interface Design
Giulia Pratillo
Grit Schuster
Head of Game Design
Patrick Rau
Game Designers
Maurice Crossier
Laurin Grossmann
Nico Jackisch
Corrado Mariani
Grit Schuster
Anne Zarnecke
Head of Technical Design
Corrado Mariani
Level Designers
Laurin Grossmann
Nico Jackisch
Corrado Mariani
Playtest Coordinator
Corrado Mariani
Writer and Narrative Designer
Dan Mayer
Additional Story Contributors
Martin Bremer
Kateryna Pinchuk
Giulia Pratillo
Patrick Rau
Sound Designer
Lukas Meinardus
Music Composer
Max McCormick
IT
Enrico Ludwig
Ralf Strecker
Video Games
We develop video games with a signature atmosphere of playfulness and surrealism. Our projects range from experimental indie titles to AA productions for PC, VR and consoles, combining strong storytelling with distinctive visual design.
Software Solutions
We design and develop interactive software solutions for cultural institutions, brands, and public organizations. Our work blends game design, storytelling, and technology to create engaging digital experiences.
Installations
We create interactive installations and media experiences for exhibitions, museums, and public spaces. By combining game mechanics, audiovisual design, and physical environments, we craft playful and immersive experiences for audiences.