For a decade now, Friendly Fire has been demonstrating how strong the community can become when entertainment and solidarity come together. What started as a spontaneous idea among friends who are creators has grown into a cultural phenomenon that sets new standards every year. More than twelve million euros have been raised so far – a sum that impressively demonstrates the influence the event has gained in the German streaming landscape. With its eleventh edition, Friendly Fire is now opening a new chapter that is growing in size not only in terms of theme but also in terms of organization.
Inspired by the Roman Empire and supported by Ubisoft as the main sponsor, 2025 will focus on a motto that is as monumental as the event itself.
“Pax Romana meets pixel power”: A charity event in XXL format
Even before the starting signal is given, the thematic focus is already a hot topic of conversation: the Roman Empire, represented by Ubisoft’s upcoming title Anno 117: Pax Romana, provides an epic backdrop for Friendly Fire XI. The first teaser trailer alone makes it clear that this year will see a huge leap forward, not only visually but also in terms of programming. The key figures speak for themselves: twelve hours of livestreaming, an opulent pre-show starting at 2 p.m., and a production that almost reaches TV dimensions in the Laser Studios in Leipzig. As always, the focus is on the streamers who made Friendly Fire big – led by Gronkh, Pandorya, and the PietSmiet crew, flanked by creators such as MrMoreGame, fisHC0p, PhunkRoyal and other familiar faces from the German-speaking gaming cosmos.
It is no coincidence that Ubisoft, as the official main sponsor, dominates the stage. The title Anno 117 focuses on historical depth and playful ambitions that fit perfectly with the charity concept. Karsten Jahn, General Manager Marketing Central Europe, makes it clear in the official statement how important the event is for the company:
“Over the years, Friendly Fire has become an integral part of the German gaming and charity landscape. This makes it all the more wonderful that Anno 117: Pax Romana is the title taking center stage, a game that not only stands for strategic depth and historical authenticity, but also for the innovative power of German development studios.”
“Twelve hours that could change lives”: Charity on a grand scale
As always, the event is centered around the desire to do good – and in 2025, the list of supported organizations is once again impressively diverse. The range of projects benefiting from the donations extends from Kindernothilfe and Civilfleet Support to JUUUPORT and Queermed Deutschland to regional animal welfare associations. In addition, part of the proceeds will go to the Friendly Fire Emergency Aid Fund, which can provide quick and unbureaucratic help in acute crises.
A special eye-catcher is this year’s Friendly Fire calendar, which for the first time was not designed by the main sponsor. Instead, twelve artists from the community had the opportunity to translate their vision of the theme into graphics – a creative gift to all fans and at the same time an additional source of donations. The key art was created by Ricardo Loschelder, while nerdstar contributed the official trailer. Merchandise and limited editions will be sold as usual via the Friendly Fire Shop by yvolve; all profits will go entirely to the donation total.
Even after eleven years, Friendly Fire remains an emotional highlight of the streaming year. It’s an event that brings the gaming scene together across generations and shows that digital entertainment has long since found a place in the heart of society. 2025 could be another record-breaking year – but above all, it will be a night when the community and creators prove what is possible when you fight together for something bigger.
