German intelligence uses spy video game to attract talent at Gamescom

The German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) has turned to video games to attract new talent, unveiling a spy-themed title at Cologne's computer games fair Gamescom.

Visitors to the agency's booth can play "BND Legends – Operation Blackbox," in which players assume the role of an undercover agent sent to a fictional rogue state called Bethulan to prevent a cyberattack.

Players must navigate military compounds, evade surveillance drones, and memorize codes to unlock doors, supported by a hacker and a "geo-specialist." Unlike real espionage, failed attempts can be retried indefinitely.

Gamescom opened on Wednesday to large crowds, with more than 1,500 exhibitors showcasing new releases until Sunday.

According to the BND, the game was designed to give players a sense of intelligence work. The agency is planning on making the game publicly available on a gaming platform in the near future.

BND spokeswoman Julia Linner said the booth at Gamescom was an effective way to connect with tech-savvy people who enjoy taking on missions and adopting different identities — qualities the service sees in potential recruits.

The agency employs about 6,500 people, with most based in Berlin, and is seeking additional skilled staff.

Linner added it was a myth that people could not apply to the BND and had to be recruited instead.