SOKO 1977
Anti Terror Task Force
How far would you go to defend democracy and the state?
SOKO 1977: Anti-Terror Task Force is a historical political deduction game with roguelike elements that takes you to West Germany in the 1970s – a time marked by social, cultural, and political upheaval and conflict. Taking on the role of the head of a special task force, you must identify terrorist cells and track down their members while facing mounting pressure from political authorities, the public, and the media.
About the game
The game condenses fictionalized, plausible scenarios based on real historical events into an intense setting where every decision has consequences. Clues must be analyzed, suspects identified, and operations coordinated, often under time pressure and with incomplete information. At the same time, you will be confronted with moral and legal questions: How far can the state go to ensure security? Which measures are justified, and where should the line be drawn?
Procedurally generated elements create a new investigative storyline with different challenges in every playthrough. Beyond the operational side of police work, interpersonal dynamics also play a role: interact with your team, conduct interrogations, face critical questions from the press, and actively shape public perception of your work.
Gameplay
Deduction gameplay meets roguelike elements
Each playthrough offers new cases, suspects, and challenges through procedural generation. Analyze clues, build suspect profiles, and plan targeted police operations against terrorist cells.
Time pressure and strategic task force management
Coordinate your special task force efficiently in an escalating crisis. Learn more about your team members, discuss events, and consider different perspectives.
Dealing with media and the public
Face critical questions from the press and maintain public trust in your work.
Historically inspired, well-researched setting
Experience the political and social tensions of 1970s West Germany within a stylized police environment grounded in extensive research and historical consultation, with clear references to the reality of that period. The story centers on a special task force in Cologne that is at the heart of the events.
Difficult moral decisions
Decide how far you are willing to go during interrogations and operations – every decision has consequences and shapes your own investigative story with different paths and outcomes.
Reflection on social issues
Engage with themes such as the tension between security and freedom, the limits of state power, and attacks on democracy.
Education & Application
SOKO 1977 is being developed on behalf of the Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb) and is based on thorough historical research and expert consultation. It does not recount a specific real-life story, but rather uses fictionalized yet plausible scenarios to encourage reflection on state authority, democracy, and extremism.
-
To what extent may a state restrict freedom in order to ensure security?
-
Where do the limits of legitimate security measures lie?
-
How does a democracy deal with threats without betraying its own values?
Learning objectives
-
German Autumn: Understanding the social and political conflicts of the 1970s
-
Rule of law and security: Reflecting on the tension between freedom and security
-
Historical judgement: Making decisions in complex situations and experiencing their consequences
- Perspective-taking: Understanding the dilemmas of state action
Areas of application
-
History: The Federal Republic of Germany in the 1970s, the RAF, the German Autumn
-
Politics / Social Studies: Rule of law, security policy, fundamental rights
- Ethics / Philosophy: Moral dilemmas, proportionality, responsibility
Release
SOKO 1977 is set to be released in early 2027 for PC and Mac. Further information is expected to be published in mid-2026 during Gamescom.