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Anno (video game series)

Anno is a real-time strategy and economic simulation video game series that began with Anno 1602 in 1998.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Anno is a real-time strategy and economic simulation video game series that began with Anno 1602 in 1998. The games center on colonization, island settlement, trade, diplomacy, resource management, and sometimes combat, with many entries set in historical or alternate-historical periods. The series is available on major gaming platforms and has an international audience, including Canadian players.

Gameplay

Anno games typically task the player with founding and expanding settlements across island regions. Success depends on balancing population growth, supply chains, trade, exploration, and military defense.

Development history

The series began with Max Design and later moved to Related Designs and Ubisoft Blue Byte. Publishing responsibilities also changed over time, with Ubisoft becoming the main publisher for later releases.

Setting and themes

Many Anno games draw on Renaissance, colonial, industrial, or imperial-era aesthetics, while some titles are set in the future. Despite changing settings, the series keeps its focus on city-building and economic management.

Installments

The main series includes titles such as Anno 1602, Anno 1503, Anno 1701, Anno 1404, Anno 2070, Anno 2205, Anno 1800, and Anno 117: Pax Romana. The franchise has also included spin-offs and console or mobile adaptations.

Key facts

  • The series was conceived in 1998 by Max Design.
  • Gameplay emphasizes building colonies on islands and managing production and trade chains.
  • Common mechanics include exploration, diplomacy, trade, logistics, and combat.
  • Most main entries are set in historical or alternate-historical settings.
  • Development later shifted to Related Designs and Ubisoft Blue Byte, with Ubisoft as publisher for newer entries.
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Canadian context

The Anno series is available on major gaming platforms and has an international audience, including Canadian players and PC/console markets in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of game is Anno?
Anno is a real-time strategy and economic simulation series with strong city-building and logistics elements.
What is the main goal in Anno games?
Players usually establish and expand colonies, manage resources and trade, and keep populations supplied while dealing with competition and conflict.
Who created the Anno series?
The series was conceived by Max Design in 1998.
What was the first Anno game?
The first game was Anno 1602, released in April 1998.
Who publishes newer Anno games?
Ubisoft publishes the later entries in the series.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anno_(video_game_series)
    Supports: Series definition, first release, latest release, gameplay focus, and development history.
  2. Wikipedia (German)https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anno_(Computerspielreihe)
    Supports: Genre, gameplay structure, platform availability, and publisher/developer history.
  3. Anno Unionhttps://www.anno-union.com/25-years-of-anno/
    Supports: 25-year series history, number of released games, and overall series themes.