Fanatec

Lore & Background

Endor AG was established in October 1997 by Thomas Jackermeier, who recognized the importance of input devices for PC gaming performance and realism. After selling his wholesale biking store, he acquired AB-Union, which was later renamed Endor Ltd. and eventually Endor AG, and launched the Fanatec brand. Initially, Endor sold various PC peripherals, including the Game Commander/Alpha Twin joystick and a licensed trackball for Command & Conquer. The company gained traction with the Le Mans wheel for PC and later developed the Speedster 2, the first officially licensed wheel for the PlayStation system, marketed by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE). This success led to further collaboration on the Speedster 3 wheel and °G game controllers.

Endor AG went public on June 27, 2006, trading over-the-counter on the Munich, Stuttgart, and Hamburg stock exchanges. In March 2024, the board dismissed CEO Thomas Jackermeier to meet conditions set by lending banks for a standstill agreement. By May 2024, Corsair Gaming intended to acquire Endor AG and the Fanatec brand, pending German regulatory approval. The acquisition was completed by September 23, 2024, after which Corsair wound up Endor AG, retaining the Fanatec brand name and preserving all jobs.

Reader's Guide

Fanatec's significance lies in its long-standing focus on sim racing peripherals, a niche that founder Thomas Jackermeier identified early as underserved. The brand's products, including racing wheels, shifters, pedals, and cockpits, are designed for compatibility with a wide range of racing games and are often produced under license from major automakers like BMW, McLaren, and Porsche. Fanatec's involvement in real-world motorsport sponsorships, such as becoming the official partner for the F1 Esports Series in July 2018 and the title sponsor for the GT World Challenge in January 2021, further cemented its reputation. In May 2023, Fanatec partnered with Polyphony Digital as the official steering wheel supplier for the Gran Turismo World Series and appeared in Gran Turismo 7's Brand Central. The brand also sponsored 2018 FIA-Gran Turismo World Series Nations Cup champion Igor Fraga in the 2023 Super Formula Lights series. Despite Endor AG's bankruptcy in July 2024 and subsequent acquisition by Corsair Gaming, the Fanatec brand continues to operate, ensuring its legacy in sim racing endures.

Did You Know?

• Fanatec was founded by Thomas Jackermeier, who gave up his wholesale biking store to pursue the sim racing peripheral market.
• The Speedster 2 was the first officially licensed wheel for the PlayStation system, marketed directly by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.
• Corsair Gaming acquired Fanatec in September 2024, liquidating Endor AG but keeping the Fanatec brand and all jobs.