Ubisoft veteran Johannes Thimme has launched Quality Time Studio in Lower Saxony, Germany, aiming to blend original game development with mentoring and consulting for indie creators. The studio is already working on its first prototype while also positioning itself as a hub for regional industry growth.
After more than two decades in the games industry, including 13 years at Ubisoft, Johannes Thimme has stepped into a new chapter by founding Quality Time Studio. Based in Lower Saxony, Germany, the studio is not just another developer—it’s envisioned as a creative hub that nurtures both established professionals and emerging talent.
Thimme’s résumé is impressive: he held roles such as lead producer, co-development director, site director of online services, and executive management team member at Ubisoft Düsseldorf. His fingerprints are on some of Ubisoft’s biggest franchises, including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Rainbow Six, Star Wars, and Avatar. He also helped establish Ubisoft’s German co-development division and oversaw the online services team behind Ubisoft Connect.
🌍 Mission Beyond Games
Quality Time Studio is currently developing an original game prototype, but its ambitions extend far beyond a single project. The studio offers consulting, coaching, and mentoring services to indie developers and small studios. These services cover:
- Product vision support – helping creators refine their ideas into market-ready concepts.
- Publishing and investor strategies – guiding studios through the often complex business side of gaming.
- Production processes and business structures – ensuring sustainable workflows and organizational growth.
- International and multicultural collaborations – fostering diverse partnerships across borders.
This dual focus—game creation and industry mentorship—positions Quality Time Studio as both a developer and an incubator for creative talent.
One of Thimme’s most compelling goals is to strengthen the games industry in Lower Saxony, a region not yet as established in gaming compared to other German states. He sees an opportunity to attract developers who want to live outside major urban centers while still contributing to global projects.
“I’d be delighted if, with Quality Time Studio, I could help build up another creative hub in the region in the medium to long term—not only for experienced developers, but also for new talent,” Thimme explained.
This vision aligns with broader industry trends where decentralization and remote collaboration are reshaping how studios operate.
✨ Why This Matters
The founding of Quality Time Studio reflects several important shifts in the gaming landscape:
- Veteran-led independence – experienced developers are increasingly leaving AAA studios to pursue more flexible, creative ventures.
- Regional empowerment – smaller regions are becoming viable hubs for game development, challenging the dominance of big-city studios.
- Mentorship as a business model – by combining development with coaching, Quality Time Studio bridges the gap between creativity and sustainability for indie teams.
With its first prototype underway and a strong emphasis on community-building, Quality Time Studio could become a blueprint for hybrid studios that balance creation with mentorship. For Lower Saxony, it represents a chance to grow into a recognized player in the European games industry. For indie developers, it offers a rare combination of guidance and collaboration from someone who has navigated the complexities of AAA production.
Johannes Thimme’s Quality Time Studio is more than a new developer—it’s a statement about the future of gaming, where creativity, mentorship, and regional growth converge.
