Unsinkable Sam at the German Maritime Museum

For the first time, visitors can experience the legend of the ship’s cat as a game

Adventure, history, and interactive learning all in one: Starting July 2, 2026, visitors to the German Maritime Museum (DSM) in Bremerhaven can explore the history of “Unsinkable Sam” in a very special way. As part of the special exhibition “Animals on Board—Knowledge, Goods, Wonders” , the first playable prototype of the yet-to-be-released game “Unsinkable Sam” be presented.

The focus is on one of the most famous animal stories in maritime history: Sam, the ship’s cat, is said to have foreseen the sinkings of the warships BISMARCK, COSSACK, and ARK ROYAL . Whether historical fact or maritime myth—the story of the supposedly “unsinkable” cat continues to fascinate people around the world to this day.

For the first time, visitors to the German Maritime Museum will have the opportunity to step into the shoes of the legendary cat. In the first playable level, they explore the historic ships from Sam’s perspective, discover hidden documents, photographs, and diary entries, and experience everyday life at sea from an unusual vantage point.

The project places particular emphasis on a atmospheric and authentic staging. The hand-drawn graphics are inspired by historical models and create a unique connection between history and digital storytelling. Players are guided by the fictional narrator Patrick O’Malley, who leads them through the events and brings the world of “Unsinkable Sam” to life.

“Unsinkable Sam”was developed in collaboration with Pixelcloud, QM Game Consulting—the predecessor company of QM Interactive—and author Martin Gold (formerly Reitberger) on behalf of Tellux Next GmbH. The project is set to be further developed and released as a a historical serious game for the education and entertainment markets .

By integrating the game “Unsinkable Sam,” the German Maritime Museum demonstrates how historical topics can be conveyed in a contemporary way through interactive formats and made accessible to a broad audience. The exhibition runs through May 17, 2027.