Games developed by VEB Polytechnik Karl-Marx-Stadt
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Poly-Play
Arcade games have been a significant part of the gaming industry since their inception. They have always managed to capture the imagination of gamers with their simple yet addictive gameplay. One such game that gained massive popularity in the 90s was Poly-Play, released in 1986. Developed by the East German company VEB Polytechnik and distributed by the state-owned corporation Amiga, Poly-Play was the first arcade game to be produced in the former German Democratic Republic.
Poly-Play was a collection of eight mini-games, each with its unique and challenging gameplay. The games included in the collection were "Auto Crash," "Bunker," "Schütze," "Gondola," "Mondlandung," "Abfahrtslauf," "Sprengkommando," and "Jagdgeschwader." These games took inspiration from popular Western arcade games like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Lunar Lander. However, the developers added their twist to the games, making them refreshing, challenging, and addictive.
The game's graphics were simple yet charming, with vibrant colors and pixelated graphics, which were typical of arcade games in the 80s. The sound effects and music were also well-crafted, adding to the overall immersive experience. The controls were simple, with only a joystick and two buttons, making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. The game's difficulty increased as the player progressed through each level, keeping them hooked for hours on end.
Poly-Play was a massive success in the former East Germany, with over 35,000 units sold. It was a staple in arcades, clubs, and bars across the country, with players competing for high scores and bragging rights. However, the game never saw a widespread release outside of East Germany, making it a rare and sought-after piece for collectors today. In fact, Poly-Play's popularity was so high that it has become a symbol of East German culture and nostalgia for many who grew up during that era.
The success of Poly-Play also led to the development of other arcade games in East Germany, with VEB Polytechnik producing two more versions of the game, Poly-Play Clone and Poly-Play SED. However, with the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the reunification of Germany, the popularity of arcade games declined, and the production of new units of Poly-Play ceased.
Today, Poly-Play holds a special place in the history of gaming, not just in Germany but worldwide. It showcased the technological capabilities and creativity of East German game developers, and its impact is still felt in the gaming industry today. With advancements in technology, many of the games included in Poly-Play are now considered classics, and the game itself has become a collector's item, with units selling for thousands of dollars at auctions.
