The Thief of Homburg

Immerse yourself in the shadows of the 18th century and experience the daily life of a Swiss castle, the Homburg in Läufelfingen.

The Thief of Homburg is a historically grounded educational game set during the Age of Enlightenment and based on real events surrounding the castle ruins in the canton of Basel-Landschaft.

You assume the role of Anton Gerber, a thief who attempts to break into the castle before the wealthy bailiff returns from his ride, accompanied by his wife and the scribe.

Inspired by games like Assassin’s Creed, you sneak past guards, study their routes, and use the environment to your advantage. Precise timing, keen observation, and local knowledge are essential for securing the loot and escaping undetected.

In addition to the exciting story mode, the game offers a second, exploratory mode. The creation of the inhabitants, the interior and the castle’s design were implemented with a strong focus on the realistic portrayal of historical conditions. Homburg Castle was meticulously reconstructed based on archaeological research in collaboration with the Basel-Landschaft Office of Archaeology, allowing players to experience the site as it appeared around 1775.

Numerous intricately designed objects provide insight into the daily lives of people during the Enlightenment. Quests include historical references to daily life, for example loading and firing cannons and discovering the bailiff’s political and economic dealings.

The Thief of Homburg was developed in close collaboration with universities and educational institutions. The goal was to demonstrate new ways to meaningfully, authentically, and engagingly integrate educational content into games. Additionally, it aimed to foster interest in history and archaeology and inspire visits to the real Homburg castle ruins.