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Insolvency shock for HCM Kinzel: What does this mean for the gaming world?
HCM Kinzel files for bankruptcy. The toy manufacturer, founded in 1993, is fighting for its future in Heilbronn.
Insolvency shock for HCM Kinzel: What does this mean for the gaming world?
On May 12, 2025, HCM Kinzel GmbH, a traditional family business from Zaberfeld, filed for bankruptcy. The insolvency application was submitted to the Heilbronn district court and processed under the direction of lawyer Tibor Braun. The future of the company is currently in jeopardy as it is unclear whether a restructuring or a takeover by an investor is possible. HCM Kinzel was founded in 1993 by Helmuth Kinzel and his sons Markus and Christian and has made a name for itself by bringing various hit games to Germany.
Originally active as an importer of existing games, the company also began marketing its own creations in 2015. The range includes children's games, board games, party games as well as learning and creative toys. HCM Kinzel is currently active in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy. However, the bankruptcy could significantly impact the availability of products, supply chains and partnerships while business operations initially continue during the bankruptcy. The aim is to secure the company's creative potential and brand values.
The challenges of the toy industry
HCM Kinzel GmbH is not the only company struggling with economic challenges. The entire toy industry in Germany has been facing increasing difficulties for years. Loud Statista The industry achieved sales of 4.4 billion euros in 2024, which represents a decline compared to the peaks during the corona pandemic.
In 2023, German toy manufacturers' sales amounted to around 2.7 billion euros, the lowest value in 15 years. The number of toy manufacturers in Germany has fallen to 619, reflecting the problems within the industry. Online retail is becoming increasingly important as consumer behavior has changed, which in turn is leading to a decline in sales.
A look into the future
The situation is particularly precarious for HCM Kinzel. The company has recently seen success with pre-orders for the newly developed game “Braindrops” from the Brain Game series. However, it remains to be seen whether these successes will be enough to avert bankruptcy. Industry colleagues, such as the well-known manufacturer Ravensburger, however, recorded record sales of around 790 million euros worldwide in 2024, which further illustrates the gap between large and smaller companies in the industry.
The uncertainty regarding insolvency and the challenges of the changing market show that the future for HCM Kinzel GmbH remains uncertain. The hope of a possible restructuring or investor involvement could be the decisive factor in saving the family business and continuing its history.
Overall, it remains to be seen whether HCM Kinzel, a company with a rich tradition and a variety of creative products, will be able to overcome the hurdles on the way to stabilization and continue to maintain a place in the competitive toy market.