The Federal Intelligence Service (BND) has made a surprising entrance into the gaming realm with its inaugural video game, BND Legends: Operation Blackbox. This groundbreaking title, situated in a cutting-edge cyberpunk environment, enables players to take on the role of a BND agent. The game was introduced at gamescom 2025, where visitors can try it out in person.
**Gaming for the Next Generation**
**What it’s about**: The game takes place in the authoritarian nation of Bethulan, where sources suggest the creation of a perilous AI-driven computer virus known as T-Cell. This virus poses a risk of wreaking havoc on the digital frameworks of targeted countries. The virus is securely housed on a server belonging to a state-associated firm tied to Bethulan’s weaponry enterprise, overseen by the ruler’s firstborn. Players take on the character of agent AJ, along with CNE expert Ruby and geo specialist Atlas, to penetrate the facility and make a stealthy exit.
**How it works**: The game consists of three levels featuring demanding mini-games.
**How to play**: For now, BND Legends: Operation Blackbox is available exclusively at gamescom 2025, situated in the Campus Area in Hall 10.1. The BND website teases future chances to engage with the game beyond the event.
The game has a twofold aim: to entertain and to attract enthusiastic young talent, particularly in IT and advanced technologies. BND press spokesperson Julia Linner emphasizes gamescom as the perfect place, given the match between the event’s attendees and the skills needed for intelligence roles.
**What does the BND do?**
The Federal Intelligence Service (BND) serves as Germany’s external intelligence agency, tasked with gathering and evaluating information from other nations that is vital for foreign and security policies. This intelligence is subsequently delivered to the federal government in the form of reports and analyses.