Ascaron Entertainment

Background: Ascaron was a game company headquartered in Gütersloh, Germany. It was founded in 1991 under the name Ascon by Holger Flöttmann. In August 2001 the company went into administration for the first time, but managed to survive and continued its operations. In April 2009 Ascaron Entertainment went bankrupt again, due to the financial losses on Sacred 2: Fallen Angel. The company was closed. In June 2009, Kalypso Media acquired the majority of licenses and assets of company. On June 18, 2009 it was announced that fifteen former employees of Ascaron would be part of Kalypso's newly founded studio Gaming Minds.

1st Logo (1991 - Late 90's)

Logo: We see a heraldic picture of the red dragon and the name "Ascon" or "Ascaron" (in late years) over it. Details change between games.

FX/SFX: None, except for the variants.

Music/Sounds: None.

Availability: Seen on the earliest games.

2nd LogoAscaron Entertainment (2002) (Late 90's - 2009)

Logo: We see a heraldic red dragon is drawn by white outline, which becomes red as it proceeds. The outline glows, making the picture white for a second, then explodes into the white background with red dragon, and the name "ASCARON" in corporate font over it.

FX/SFX: The dragon outline is drawn.

Music/Sounds: An uprising humming premise, followed by majestic horn fanfares.

Availability: Appeared on Ballerburg, Patrician III and Port Royale 2.

3rd Logo (2004-2009)

Ascaron Entertainment (2004)

Logo: On a black background, we see three spikes slowly projecting, followed by other parts of the name, sending red light. When the name is complete, the red dragon flashes in a flame behind.

FX/SFX: The spikes protrude down and the logo appears.

Music/Sounds: Dramatic soundtrack consisting of an orchestrated windy sound and two piano passes.

Availability: Seen on Arena Wars. Still version can be seen on Darkstar One.