The Darkest Files 🕵️♀️
@darkestfiles.paintbucket.de
The Darkest Files is a historical investigation and courtroom game based on true crimes during the Nazi era. Investigate cold cases and win them at court. Release 25 March 2025
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2058730/The_Darkest_Files/
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2058730/The_Darkest_Files/
Pinned
The Darkest Files is OUT NOW on Steam! 🔎
After 4 years of development, our historical investigation game about Fritz Bauer's quest for justice in 1950s Germany is finally available.
Uncover the truth. Confront the past. Serve justice.
Buy and play today:
store.steampowered.com/app/2058730/...
After 4 years of development, our historical investigation game about Fritz Bauer's quest for justice in 1950s Germany is finally available.
Uncover the truth. Confront the past. Serve justice.
Buy and play today:
store.steampowered.com/app/2058730/...
What a year! We still can’t believe everything that happened in 2025 — we released The Darkest Files, won multiple awards, and saw our game being used in schools. We’re excited for what’s to come, and thank you for your support 🧡
Steam Winter Sale is still on until the 31st of Dec! 🔍
Steam Winter Sale is still on until the 31st of Dec! 🔍
December 23, 2025 at 9:59 AM
What a year! We still can’t believe everything that happened in 2025 — we released The Darkest Files, won multiple awards, and saw our game being used in schools. We’re excited for what’s to come, and thank you for your support 🧡
Steam Winter Sale is still on until the 31st of Dec! 🔍
Steam Winter Sale is still on until the 31st of Dec! 🔍
Reposted by The Darkest Files 🕵️♀️
📢 Workshop in Erfurt today at 17:30!
Educators explore how games can support remembrance. With Paintbucket Games and titles like Through the Darkest of Times and The Darkest Files, it will be discussed how games enable meaningful memory work and where the medium reaches its limits.
Educators explore how games can support remembrance. With Paintbucket Games and titles like Through the Darkest of Times and The Darkest Files, it will be discussed how games enable meaningful memory work and where the medium reaches its limits.
December 8, 2025 at 1:01 PM
📢 Workshop in Erfurt today at 17:30!
Educators explore how games can support remembrance. With Paintbucket Games and titles like Through the Darkest of Times and The Darkest Files, it will be discussed how games enable meaningful memory work and where the medium reaches its limits.
Educators explore how games can support remembrance. With Paintbucket Games and titles like Through the Darkest of Times and The Darkest Files, it will be discussed how games enable meaningful memory work and where the medium reaches its limits.
Reposted by The Darkest Files 🕵️♀️
Die Hauptstadt-Studios waren in diesem Jahr besonders erfolgreich beim Deutschen Entwicklerpreis - unter anderem mit dem 'Studio des Jahres' @toukana.bsky.social und zwei 🏆 für @paintbucket.de.
Deutscher Entwicklerpreis 2025: Berlin holt 5 Auszeichnungen - GamesWirtschaft.de
Für die Studios der Hauptstadt-Region hat sich die Reise nach Köln gelohnt: Fünf Trophäen gehen an Spiele und Entwickler aus Berlin.
www.gameswirtschaft.de
December 4, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Die Hauptstadt-Studios waren in diesem Jahr besonders erfolgreich beim Deutschen Entwicklerpreis - unter anderem mit dem 'Studio des Jahres' @toukana.bsky.social und zwei 🏆 für @paintbucket.de.
Reposted by The Darkest Files 🕵️♀️
We still can’t believe it! Last night was the #DEP, and we are so happy and grateful to have won in the two categories “Best Game Design” and “Best Game Beyond Entertainment” 🥳
Especially because the other contenders had such amazing projects! Thank you to everyone involved with the award show🎄
Especially because the other contenders had such amazing projects! Thank you to everyone involved with the award show🎄
December 3, 2025 at 5:07 PM
We still can’t believe it! Last night was the #DEP, and we are so happy and grateful to have won in the two categories “Best Game Design” and “Best Game Beyond Entertainment” 🥳
Especially because the other contenders had such amazing projects! Thank you to everyone involved with the award show🎄
Especially because the other contenders had such amazing projects! Thank you to everyone involved with the award show🎄
Reposted by The Darkest Files 🕵️♀️
Join us to watch the DEP Awards together!
Get some behind-the-scenes fun facts from the devs, cheer us on, and hopefully celebrate with us 🥳
When: 2nd December 8pm til 10pm CET
Where: The Darkest Files Discord server: discord.com/invite/U5zXu... 🧡
See you there!
Get some behind-the-scenes fun facts from the devs, cheer us on, and hopefully celebrate with us 🥳
When: 2nd December 8pm til 10pm CET
Where: The Darkest Files Discord server: discord.com/invite/U5zXu... 🧡
See you there!
December 1, 2025 at 12:06 PM
Join us to watch the DEP Awards together!
Get some behind-the-scenes fun facts from the devs, cheer us on, and hopefully celebrate with us 🥳
When: 2nd December 8pm til 10pm CET
Where: The Darkest Files Discord server: discord.com/invite/U5zXu... 🧡
See you there!
Get some behind-the-scenes fun facts from the devs, cheer us on, and hopefully celebrate with us 🥳
When: 2nd December 8pm til 10pm CET
Where: The Darkest Files Discord server: discord.com/invite/U5zXu... 🧡
See you there!
Not all heroes wear capes, some wear lawyer‘s robes and briefcases 👩🏼⚖️
The Darkest Files is part of the #BeAHero Steam event and 25% on sale until the 9th of December!
📢 That‘s our biggest discount yet. View the event here: store.steampowered.com/sale/Be-a-he...
The Darkest Files is part of the #BeAHero Steam event and 25% on sale until the 9th of December!
📢 That‘s our biggest discount yet. View the event here: store.steampowered.com/sale/Be-a-he...
November 29, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Not all heroes wear capes, some wear lawyer‘s robes and briefcases 👩🏼⚖️
The Darkest Files is part of the #BeAHero Steam event and 25% on sale until the 9th of December!
📢 That‘s our biggest discount yet. View the event here: store.steampowered.com/sale/Be-a-he...
The Darkest Files is part of the #BeAHero Steam event and 25% on sale until the 9th of December!
📢 That‘s our biggest discount yet. View the event here: store.steampowered.com/sale/Be-a-he...
Looks so great! Esther next to Marlene's kitty friend 🥰
Just got a gorgeous poster from @paintbucket.de's the Darkest Files. It's the first of what I want to be my wall of Detective game posters. Bonus shot of my little princess.
November 28, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Looks so great! Esther next to Marlene's kitty friend 🥰
Reposted by The Darkest Files 🕵️♀️
Tipp aus der Redaktion: Das Computerspiel "The Darkest Files" versetzt den Spieler zurück in die bedrohlich-beklemmende Zeit nach Kriegsende. Wen es interessiert, findet hier unsere Rezension:
'The Darkest Files': Auf Nazi-Jagd mit Fritz Bauer
1956, Frankfurt: In The Darkest Files schließt man sich als junge Staatsanwältin dem Team von Fritz Bauer an, um NS-Unrecht zu sühnen.
www.lto.de
November 20, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Tipp aus der Redaktion: Das Computerspiel "The Darkest Files" versetzt den Spieler zurück in die bedrohlich-beklemmende Zeit nach Kriegsende. Wen es interessiert, findet hier unsere Rezension:
We're on a roll! Our game is nominated for the German children's and youth software award #TOMMI 🥳
We feel honored by the jury's words: "The Darkest Files is a bold and impressive game that brings history to life and promotes remembrance culture in a unique way." - Thank you so much!
We feel honored by the jury's words: "The Darkest Files is a bold and impressive game that brings history to life and promotes remembrance culture in a unique way." - Thank you so much!
October 22, 2025 at 2:06 PM
We're on a roll! Our game is nominated for the German children's and youth software award #TOMMI 🥳
We feel honored by the jury's words: "The Darkest Files is a bold and impressive game that brings history to life and promotes remembrance culture in a unique way." - Thank you so much!
We feel honored by the jury's words: "The Darkest Files is a bold and impressive game that brings history to life and promotes remembrance culture in a unique way." - Thank you so much!
We're thrilled to announce that we have been nominated for #DEP in not one, but four categories!
Best Gamedesign
Best Game Beyond Entertainment
Best Story
Best Graphics
Thank you to the jury and congratulations to the other amazing nominees - we are looking forward to the award show 🧡
Best Gamedesign
Best Game Beyond Entertainment
Best Story
Best Graphics
Thank you to the jury and congratulations to the other amazing nominees - we are looking forward to the award show 🧡
October 21, 2025 at 12:10 PM
We're thrilled to announce that we have been nominated for #DEP in not one, but four categories!
Best Gamedesign
Best Game Beyond Entertainment
Best Story
Best Graphics
Thank you to the jury and congratulations to the other amazing nominees - we are looking forward to the award show 🧡
Best Gamedesign
Best Game Beyond Entertainment
Best Story
Best Graphics
Thank you to the jury and congratulations to the other amazing nominees - we are looking forward to the award show 🧡
Reposted by The Darkest Files 🕵️♀️
The nominees for Indie X 2025 Best Art Direction are:
Unboxing Mr Coo by Nacho Rodríguez
Rebounder by @thirtythreegames.bsky.social
The Darkest Files by @darkestfiles.paintbucket.de
MONOWAVE by @studiobbb.bsky.social
Vale's Echo by @valesecho.bsky.social
Unboxing Mr Coo by Nacho Rodríguez
Rebounder by @thirtythreegames.bsky.social
The Darkest Files by @darkestfiles.paintbucket.de
MONOWAVE by @studiobbb.bsky.social
Vale's Echo by @valesecho.bsky.social
October 15, 2025 at 3:33 PM
The nominees for Indie X 2025 Best Art Direction are:
Unboxing Mr Coo by Nacho Rodríguez
Rebounder by @thirtythreegames.bsky.social
The Darkest Files by @darkestfiles.paintbucket.de
MONOWAVE by @studiobbb.bsky.social
Vale's Echo by @valesecho.bsky.social
Unboxing Mr Coo by Nacho Rodríguez
Rebounder by @thirtythreegames.bsky.social
The Darkest Files by @darkestfiles.paintbucket.de
MONOWAVE by @studiobbb.bsky.social
Vale's Echo by @valesecho.bsky.social
Hey there,
The Darkest Files is an escapist, power fantasy in which you can bring fascists to court and send them to jail.
It tells a tale from the rule of law age, which your grandparents might still remember.
It is also 20% off right now on Steam — so get yourself a copy now!
The Darkest Files is an escapist, power fantasy in which you can bring fascists to court and send them to jail.
It tells a tale from the rule of law age, which your grandparents might still remember.
It is also 20% off right now on Steam — so get yourself a copy now!
The Darkest Files is OUT NOW on Steam! 🔎
After 4 years of development, our historical investigation game about Fritz Bauer's quest for justice in 1950s Germany is finally available.
Uncover the truth. Confront the past. Serve justice.
Buy and play today:
store.steampowered.com/app/2058730/...
After 4 years of development, our historical investigation game about Fritz Bauer's quest for justice in 1950s Germany is finally available.
Uncover the truth. Confront the past. Serve justice.
Buy and play today:
store.steampowered.com/app/2058730/...
September 30, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Hey there,
The Darkest Files is an escapist, power fantasy in which you can bring fascists to court and send them to jail.
It tells a tale from the rule of law age, which your grandparents might still remember.
It is also 20% off right now on Steam — so get yourself a copy now!
The Darkest Files is an escapist, power fantasy in which you can bring fascists to court and send them to jail.
It tells a tale from the rule of law age, which your grandparents might still remember.
It is also 20% off right now on Steam — so get yourself a copy now!
The Darkest Files - as seen on CNN
edition.cnn.com/2025/09/08/e...
edition.cnn.com/2025/09/08/e...
Nazi investigation and prosecution video game ‘The Darkest Files’ | CNN
The historical investigation and court room game features stories based on crimes committed by Nazis during WWII. Rick Damigella reports.
edition.cnn.com
September 9, 2025 at 5:35 PM
The Darkest Files - as seen on CNN
edition.cnn.com/2025/09/08/e...
edition.cnn.com/2025/09/08/e...
Reposted by The Darkest Files 🕵️♀️
Our friend just launched his wonderful historical pixel art adventure Casebook 1899: The Leipzig Murders.
If you are into historical crime solving - and something tells me us that you are 🕵️ - go and get it now! 🔥
If you are into historical crime solving - and something tells me us that you are 🕵️ - go and get it now! 🔥
📯📯📯ANNOUNCEMENT📯📯📯
Casebook 1899: The Leipzig Murders
🗓️ Launching Sep 4th 2025
🔍 Search clues and quiz suspects
🔀 Draw your own conclusions
🔪 Choices affect multiple endings
⛪️ Explore late 19thC pixel-art Leipzig
🇩🇪 Authentic German voicing
Wishlist on Steam!
👉👉 s.team/a/1841190
Casebook 1899: The Leipzig Murders
🗓️ Launching Sep 4th 2025
🔍 Search clues and quiz suspects
🔀 Draw your own conclusions
🔪 Choices affect multiple endings
⛪️ Explore late 19thC pixel-art Leipzig
🇩🇪 Authentic German voicing
Wishlist on Steam!
👉👉 s.team/a/1841190
September 5, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Our friend just launched his wonderful historical pixel art adventure Casebook 1899: The Leipzig Murders.
If you are into historical crime solving - and something tells me us that you are 🕵️ - go and get it now! 🔥
If you are into historical crime solving - and something tells me us that you are 🕵️ - go and get it now! 🔥
We won! 🥳 Thank you so much for recognizing our efforts to make The Darkest Files accessible to more players. We believe everyone should get the chance to play the games they want and we are grateful for all the feedback we got along the way 🧡
#GamingOhneGrenzen
#GamingOhneGrenzen
August 20, 2025 at 2:38 PM
We won! 🥳 Thank you so much for recognizing our efforts to make The Darkest Files accessible to more players. We believe everyone should get the chance to play the games they want and we are grateful for all the feedback we got along the way 🧡
#GamingOhneGrenzen
#GamingOhneGrenzen
Reposted by The Darkest Files 🕵️♀️
Was super cool seeing our trailer for @darkestfiles.paintbucket.de up during the Gamescom showcase!
Great moment and recognition for @paintbucket.de!
Great moment and recognition for @paintbucket.de!
August 19, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Was super cool seeing our trailer for @darkestfiles.paintbucket.de up during the Gamescom showcase!
Great moment and recognition for @paintbucket.de!
Great moment and recognition for @paintbucket.de!
We‘re so proud to share that we were part of this special Gamescom moment: Opening Night Live!
Thank you for including us and other games that are more than entertainment and that have the potential to inspire change.
Thank you for including us and other games that are more than entertainment and that have the potential to inspire change.
August 19, 2025 at 8:02 PM
We‘re so proud to share that we were part of this special Gamescom moment: Opening Night Live!
Thank you for including us and other games that are more than entertainment and that have the potential to inspire change.
Thank you for including us and other games that are more than entertainment and that have the potential to inspire change.
If you are reading this, thank you! We want to invite you to a cozy community meetup. 🧡 Join us at our booth on Thursday at 2 pm and grab some special merch - we’re excited to meet you!
📍 Hall 10.2: Play games about past and current politics, democracy, its challenges, and its importance
📍 Hall 10.2: Play games about past and current politics, democracy, its challenges, and its importance
August 15, 2025 at 11:20 AM
If you are reading this, thank you! We want to invite you to a cozy community meetup. 🧡 Join us at our booth on Thursday at 2 pm and grab some special merch - we’re excited to meet you!
📍 Hall 10.2: Play games about past and current politics, democracy, its challenges, and its importance
📍 Hall 10.2: Play games about past and current politics, democracy, its challenges, and its importance
Reposted by The Darkest Files 🕵️♀️
#OTD
Am 1. August 1944 erhob sich die polnische Heimatarmee in #Warschau – inmitten des von Nazi-Deutschland besetzten Polens – zu einem verzweifelten #Aufstand. Rund 200.000 Menschen starben – vor allem durch systematische Massenmorde an Zivilisten durch die deutschen Besatzer.
#NieWieder
Am 1. August 1944 erhob sich die polnische Heimatarmee in #Warschau – inmitten des von Nazi-Deutschland besetzten Polens – zu einem verzweifelten #Aufstand. Rund 200.000 Menschen starben – vor allem durch systematische Massenmorde an Zivilisten durch die deutschen Besatzer.
#NieWieder
August 1, 2025 at 11:51 AM
#OTD
Am 1. August 1944 erhob sich die polnische Heimatarmee in #Warschau – inmitten des von Nazi-Deutschland besetzten Polens – zu einem verzweifelten #Aufstand. Rund 200.000 Menschen starben – vor allem durch systematische Massenmorde an Zivilisten durch die deutschen Besatzer.
#NieWieder
Am 1. August 1944 erhob sich die polnische Heimatarmee in #Warschau – inmitten des von Nazi-Deutschland besetzten Polens – zu einem verzweifelten #Aufstand. Rund 200.000 Menschen starben – vor allem durch systematische Massenmorde an Zivilisten durch die deutschen Besatzer.
#NieWieder
Reposted by The Darkest Files 🕵️♀️
Holy heck I just played the demo for The Darkest Files @paintbucket.de and Y’ALL that converted me into a purchase so damn fast and it’s easily one of the best games I’ve played this year
store.steampowered.com/app/2251070/...
store.steampowered.com/app/2251070/...
The Darkest Files Demo on Steam
The Darkest Files is a historical investigation and courtroom game based on true crimes during the Second World War. Investigate cold cases, search for clues, interrogate witnesses, immerse yourself i...
store.steampowered.com
July 27, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Holy heck I just played the demo for The Darkest Files @paintbucket.de and Y’ALL that converted me into a purchase so damn fast and it’s easily one of the best games I’ve played this year
store.steampowered.com/app/2251070/...
store.steampowered.com/app/2251070/...
Reposted by The Darkest Files 🕵️♀️
We're happy to announce that, from today, All Quiet in the Trenches will be available as part of the Games That Remember Steam bundle, alongside the amazing game The Darkest Files by @paintbucket.de
store.steampowered.com/bundle/55560...
store.steampowered.com/bundle/55560...
Save 11% on Games That Remember on Steam
store.steampowered.com
July 24, 2025 at 5:23 PM
We're happy to announce that, from today, All Quiet in the Trenches will be available as part of the Games That Remember Steam bundle, alongside the amazing game The Darkest Files by @paintbucket.de
store.steampowered.com/bundle/55560...
store.steampowered.com/bundle/55560...
Reposted by The Darkest Files 🕵️♀️
We're part of Games Forged in Germany! 🥳 Check out all these amazing games by fellow German devs 🧡 Which game are you playing next?
➡️ store.steampowered.com/sale/Games-F...
➡️ store.steampowered.com/sale/Games-F...
July 25, 2025 at 8:49 AM
We're part of Games Forged in Germany! 🥳 Check out all these amazing games by fellow German devs 🧡 Which game are you playing next?
➡️ store.steampowered.com/sale/Games-F...
➡️ store.steampowered.com/sale/Games-F...
We're part of Games Forged in Germany! 🥳 Check out all these amazing games by fellow German devs 🧡 Which game are you playing next?
➡️ store.steampowered.com/sale/Games-F...
➡️ store.steampowered.com/sale/Games-F...
July 25, 2025 at 8:49 AM
We're part of Games Forged in Germany! 🥳 Check out all these amazing games by fellow German devs 🧡 Which game are you playing next?
➡️ store.steampowered.com/sale/Games-F...
➡️ store.steampowered.com/sale/Games-F...
Reposted by The Darkest Files 🕵️♀️
Ich habe neulich mit @domschott.bsky.social über "The Darkest Files" gesprochen, das Spiel, bei dem wir mit der Kraft der Juristerei Nazis vor Gericht bringen, und wir hatten viel Spaß dabei. Sowohl mit dem Spiel als auch mit dem Podcast.
www.gamespodcast.de/2025/07/22/t...
www.gamespodcast.de/2025/07/22/t...
The Darkest Files | The Pod
www.gamespodcast.de
July 22, 2025 at 6:41 AM
Ich habe neulich mit @domschott.bsky.social über "The Darkest Files" gesprochen, das Spiel, bei dem wir mit der Kraft der Juristerei Nazis vor Gericht bringen, und wir hatten viel Spaß dabei. Sowohl mit dem Spiel als auch mit dem Podcast.
www.gamespodcast.de/2025/07/22/t...
www.gamespodcast.de/2025/07/22/t...