Alien Nations
A real-time strategy game of building nations and conquering rivals.
Alien Nations (titled *Die Völker* in German) is a real-time strategy game for Windows, created by Neo Software and released by JoWooD Productions in 1999. A digital version became available on GOG.com in 2009, and a sequel, *The Nations*, followed in 2001. The title achieved strong commercial success in Germany and eventually sold nearly one million copies globally.
In the game, players build a nation and conquer opponents, choosing from three races: the Pimmons, the Amazons, and the Sajkhi. Single-player options include Introduction, Campaigns, and Never-ending Game modes.
*Alien Nations* was a major hit in Germany. Frank Patalong of *Der Spiegel* observed that it was one of several construction and management simulations—alongside *Anno 1602* and the *Settlers* series—that dominated German sales charts for years. According to Russian publisher Snowball Studios, the game sold 150,000 units in German-speaking countries within two months. It also performed well in Russia, where it sold 80,000 copies by April 2001. Michael Furtenbach of Red Bull reported in 2016 that total worldwide sales were "just under a million copies."
In a review for *Game.EXE*, Oleg Hazhinskiy rated the game 4.1 out of 5, noting strong similarities to *The Settlers* series. He praised the marketing system but pointed out that the combat was lacking.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Alien Nations
- Developer
- Neo Software
- Publisher
- JoWooD Productions
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac OS
- Released
- 11 May 1999
- Genre
- Real-time strategy
- Composer
- Roland Ubl
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Alien Nations is a real-time strategy game based on building a nation and conquering others. The player may choose from 3 races – the Pimmons, the Amazons and the Sajkhi. In single-player mode, there are three gameplay modes: Introduction, Campaigns, and Never-ending Game. The game was a commercial hit in the German market, with Der Spiegel's Frank Patalong noting it was one of the construction and management simulations that dominated German sales charts for years, alongside Anno 1602 and the Settlers series. In German-speaking countries, it sold 150,000 units after two months on shelves, according to the game's Russian publisher Snowball Studios. It was also a success in Russia, with sales of 80,000 units by April 2001. Alien Nations ultimately sold 'just under a million copies' by 2016, reported Micharl Furtenbach of Red Bull.
Reader's Guide
Alien Nations holds significance as a commercial success in the German market, where it was noted by Der Spiegel's Frank Patalong as one of the construction and management simulations that dominated German sales charts for years, alongside Anno 1602 and the Settlers series. Its sales in German-speaking countries reached 150,000 units after two months, and it also found success in Russia with 80,000 units sold by April 2001. Ultimately, the game sold close to 1 million units worldwide by 2016. Critically, Oleg Hazhinskiy of Game.EXE gave the game 4.1/5 and noted its strong similarities with The Settlers series, praising the marketing system but mentioning lacking combat. The game was re-released on GOG.com in 2009, and a sequel, The Nations, was published in 2001.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who developed and published Alien Nations?
Neo Software created the game, and JoWooD Productions handled its 1999 release on Microsoft Windows. It was also known by its German title, Die Völker.
What races can you choose in Alien Nations?
Players pick from three factions—the Pimmons, the Amazons, and the Sajkhi—each representing a distinct nation you build and lead in conquest.
What single-player modes does Alien Nations offer?
The game includes an Introduction mode, structured Campaigns, and a Never-ending Game option for extended solo play.
Can I still buy Alien Nations today?
Yes; a digital edition was made available on GOG.com in 2009, so the 1999 title remains purchasable for modern PC users.
How commercially successful was Alien Nations?
The game was a particular hit in the German market and went on to sell close to one million copies worldwide. Its sequel, The Nations, followed in 2001.
More in Real-Time Strategy Games, Further Titles 1-24
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