Relevance
The historical significance of this product is closely linked to the evolution of our core team and the founding of Cybersoft, a Romanian tech company established in 1996 by Cristian Lăcătuș.
The history of the Publius online brand, owned by Phenomedia Iris 4D, began with Moorhuhn—also known internationally as Crazy Chicken.
Originally a cult hit in Germany under the name Moorhuhn, the game quickly spread across Europe—including Switzerland, the UK, and the U.S. Once localized in Romania as PrepeliX, it became an instant phenomenon, promoted by mobile operator Connex (now Vodafone Romania). This adaptation marked a pivotal moment: Phenomedia Romania proved it could successfully localize and scale international digital content for the local market—at global standards.
Current Key Members of the Publius Online Brand (owned by Phenomedia Iris 4D):
CEO & Creative Director: Cristian LĂCĂTUȘ
Art Director: Cătălin CHELU
Fast Forward Timeline
In 1996, Cristian Lăcătuș founded Cybersoft as a student in Dortmund, Germany, using a 35,000 DM bank loan. For two years, the company survived entirely on personal funding, producing over 30 offline software tools, including language apps and business utilities.
By late 1998, Cybersoft reached profitability. Recognizing early the decline of offline software, the team pivoted to Internet-based solutions. In 1999 alone, the company generated the equivalent of ~$300,000 USD, with 98% coming from online development. Headcount reached 20.
In 2000, Cybersoft was acquired by German entertainment software leader Phenomedia AG via a $1M equity deal, becoming Phenomedia Romania. The company soon contributed to the global viral success of Moorhuhn, developed as a promotional game for Johnnie Walker, which reached over 14.7 million users and became the most downloaded Internet game in the German-speaking world.
Phenomedia Romania grew to 33 employees and delivered interactive content for global clients such as UNICEF (Kick out Polio), Ferrero (Pinky Piggies), and the Bavarian Dairy Association (Save the Cows), while also creating viral games for major events like the European Football Championship.
Facts & Impact
In the economic and social context of Romania at the time—comparable to Cuba today—Cybersoft’s export-driven success stood out. It enabled the creation of a small IT paradise, offering its staff daily lunches, team-building trips to the seaside and mountains, free laundry services, and a work culture years ahead of the region.
Phenomedia Iris 4D resumed in 2017 the development and adaptation of the game to 360-degree VR and panoramic (PANO) visualization technologies.
Funding and Partnership Details for Moorhuhn VR and PANO
The development and release of Moorhuhn VR and PANO were funded and supported through a partnership with Moorhuhn GmbH, registered under HRB 1795 and located at Jung-Stilling-Straße 61, 44867 Bochum, Germany. The company was dissolved due to the challenges and volatility of the VR and AR markets prior to 2020.
For Prepelix VR, PANO, and the dedicated arcade console connected to VR headsets, the financing and partnership were provided by Arenele Lasermaxx SRL, registered under CUI RO 15620035, J23/3859/2013, with headquarters at Str. Al. I. Cuza 40, Roșu, Romania. In 2024, the company reported a turnover of 6,156,556 Lei and a net profit of 777,667 Lei.
