# Rainbow Arts

> German video game developer

**Wikidata**: [Q565073](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q565073)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_Arts)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rainbow-arts

## Summary
Rainbow Arts was a German video game developer and publisher founded in 1984. Operating primarily out of Gütersloh and later Düsseldorf, the company was a significant entity in the video game industry until its dissolution in 1999. During its operation, the GmbH (limited liability company) produced notable titles such as *Turrican* and was ultimately owned by the American publisher THQ.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type:** Video game developer and video game publisher.
- **Founded:** 1984 in Gütersloh, Germany.
- **Dissolved:** 1999.
- **Country:** Germany.
- **Headquarters:** Located in Gütersloh (1984–1988) and subsequently Düsseldorf (1988–1999).
- **Legal Form:** Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH).
- **Parent Company:** Owned by THQ (a US-based video game publisher).
- **Key Management:** Marc Alexander Ullrich served as a director/manager.
- **Notable Product:** *Turrican*.
- **Industry:** Video game industry.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Rainbow Arts founded and when did it close?
A: Rainbow Arts was founded in 1984 in Gütersloh, Germany. The company operated for 15 years before being dissolved in 1999.

### Q: Who owned Rainbow Arts?
A: Rainbow Arts was owned by THQ, a video game publisher headquartered in Agoura Hills, California.

### Q: What games or products is Rainbow Arts known for?
A: According to available records, Rainbow Arts is cited for producing the video game *Turrican*. They operated as both a developer and a publisher.

## Why It Matters
Rainbow Arts holds a distinct place in video game history as one of the prominent German software houses active during the 1980s and 1990s. As a GmbH operating out of Gütersloh and later Düsseldorf, the company contributed to the European computer gaming scene during a pivotal era of growth for the industry.

The company's significance is highlighted by its acquisition by THQ, a major United States video game publisher, marking an early example of transatlantic consolidation in the gaming sector. Furthermore, the company is associated with the creation of *Turrican*, a brand recognized within the gaming community. Operating for fifteen years, Rainbow Arts served as a key institution in the German video game industry before its dissolution in 1999.

## Notable For
- **Dual Role:** Functioning as both a video game developer and a video game publisher.
- **Longevity:** Maintaining operations in the video game industry for 15 years (1984–1999).
- **Strategic Acquisition:** Being owned by THQ, a major US-based publisher founded in 1990.
- **Geographic Roots:** Being established in Gütersloh, Germany, and maintaining its headquarters within the country throughout its existence.
- **Product Legacy:** Association with the *Turrican* video game franchise.

## Body

### Founding and Corporate Structure
Rainbow Arts was established in **1984** in **Gütersloh, Germany**. The company was structured as a **Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH)**, which is the German equivalent of a limited liability company. The company's leadership included **Marc Alexander Ullrich**, who served as a director and manager.

The entity operated within the **video game industry**, functioning simultaneously as a **developer** (creating software) and a **publisher** (distributing software). Its final ownership structure listed **THQ** as the parent company.

### Locations and Relocation
Throughout its fifteen-year history, Rainbow Arts maintained its headquarters in Germany, undergoing one major relocation:
*   **1984 – 1988:** The company was based in **Gütersloh**, which is also cited as its location of formation.
*   **1988 – 1999:** The headquarters were moved to **Düsseldorf**, where they remained until the company ceased operations.

### Operations and Products
As a software development organization, Rainbow Arts specialized in the creation of video games for personal use. The company is specifically credited with the production of **Turrican**, a title listed among its key outputs.

### Dissolution
Rainbow Arts ceased operations in **1999**. Following this date, the company was dissolved and is no longer an active entity, though it retains records across various industry databases such as MobyGames, the Internet Game Database, and Wikipedia.

## References

1. Rainbow Arts Software GmbH. MobyGames
2. LastDodo
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. BnF authorities
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. VideoGameGeek