Welcome to the New Virtual Reality
Interview with Christian Rathemacher, CEO of weltenbauer. Software Entwicklung GmbH
In today's digital era, simulated realities are becoming increasingly important. The ability to virtually represent complex scenarios opens up new perspectives in training, education, and industry. Thanks to huge leaps in computing power and software, these virtual realities are becoming more immersive and realistic. weltenbauer. Software Entwicklung GmbH specializes in the development of such virtual worlds and operates in both the gaming and industry sectors. With innovative solutions and a dedicated team, weltenbauer. is able to offer its clients customized applications.
weltenbauer. was founded in the year 2008
but its roots go back to 2004, when Robert Meyer began distributing 3D software. Christian Rathemacher, who has been with the company since 2006 and has served as CEO since 2011, explains: "We originally provided technical support for 3D software and gradually moved into developing our own projects." This development led to the founding of weltenbauer. Software Entwicklung GmbH and the establishment of a wide range of services.
Two Mainstays: Gaming and Industry
The company is divided into two main areas: the gaming sector and the industrial sector. In the gaming area, weltenbauer. is known for its successful computer game series ‘Construction Simulator,’ which has been on the market since 2011.
Christian Rathemacher emphasizes: "We have continued to develop games, but the industrial sector has now become an essential part of our business." Similar technologies and techniques used in gaming are applied here to develop product configurators and training applications.
Virtual Reality in Training
Training in safety-relevant professions offers the company a particularly exciting application area. weltenbauer. has collaborated with the University of the Bundeswehr Munich, for example, to train emergency service personnel in realistic scenarios. "With virtual reality, we can create realistic operational scenarios that help trainees prepare for real emergencies," explains Christian Rathemacher. This immersive experience allows users to learn and train in a safe environment.
Mixed Reality as a New Playground
A promising future topic that weltenbauer. is also exploring is the development of Mixed Reality applications. This technology combines the real and virtual worlds, allowing users to interact with both at the same time. "Mixed Reality is particularly advantageous in safety-relevant areas, as it enables even more realistic training scenarios that incorporate both visual and physical elements," explains Christian Rathemacher.
Sustainable Mobility through Virtual Worlds
Furthermore, the company has developed a strong interest in sustainability. "We want to create innovative solutions, but also ensure that we act environmentally conscious," emphasizes the CEO. This is evident in the effort to develop digital twins that help companies optimize their processes and use resources more efficiently. Through these approaches, weltenbauer. actively contributes to the promotion of a more sustainable industry.
Long-Term Customer Relationships
Building and maintaining long-term relationships with its customers is a priority for the company. Christian Rathemacher mentions a project with Liebherr, ongoing since 2015, focused on developing software for planning heavy lifts. "We work closely with our customers to meet their specific requirements and develop solutions that help them achieve their goals," he emphasizes.
Innovation and Team Spirit
weltenbauer. currently employs over 100 staff in a creative and respectful environment. "We work as a team to realize innovative projects," Christian Rathemacher stresses. The employees are not just software developers but also creative minds active in various fields. "We place great importance on a positive corporate culture where each individual is seen and valued," he adds.
Challenges in Recruiting
Nonetheless, recruiting qualified developers remains a challenge in a competitive market. "We have the advantage of being active in both the gaming and industrial sectors. This helps us attract a broader range of talents," explains Christian Rathemacher. "Additionally, our flexible remote work structure allows staff from all over Germany and beyond to be part of our team."
Outlook for the Future
In the coming years, weltenbauer. plans to expand its presence in the international market. "We see great potential in digitalization and the virtual representation of production processes," says Christian Rathemacher. The company aims to continue developing innovative solutions that meet the needs of its customers while also enhancing efficiency and safety in the industry.