I don’t know how they will do it, but Netflix has announced a major partnership with Asmodee to develop a full slate of scripted and unscripted projects inspired by their iconic board game, Catan. The collaboration marks the first-ever screen adaptations of the game we all definitely played too much of with our spouses while in lockdown. And more importantly, this announcement comes with the 30th anniversary of the game’s release.
Whether you hoard stone or just really want to be the sheep Queen (hi, that’s me), the suite of programming will hopefully handle the core of the game: settlers navigating vast landscapes, forging shifting alliances, and competing for scarce resources on a remote island, and maybe forgetting to build your roa because all you have is sheepp.
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This isn’t the first time that the streamer has adapted a tabletop game. Most recently, the streamer released Exploding Kittens, an animated series that adapts the tabletop game of the same name. This latest collaboration joins other game-to-screen stories at the streamer, including Arcane, Castlevania, Family Pack, the upcoming Assassin’s Creed series, the Monopoly reality competition, and the Gears of War feature film.
What is Catan?
The original game, created by Klaus Teuber in 1995 as The Settlers of Catan, has sold more than 45 million copies worldwide and been translated into over 40 languages. With a base game and a plethora of expansions to add even more depth to any individual game, it is a beloved staple at many game nights. Not to mention an entire competitor’s circuit as well.
“Millions of people [have been] enjoying Catan since it was created, and for many it remains a gateway to modern board gaming. I’m thrilled to see the game expanding to a larger audience who will discover the richness of its universe. I find it exciting for the future of the brand,” said Thomas Koegler, CEO of Asmodee, in a comment to TUDUM.
“It’s also a testament that board gaming is truly part of pop culture and a popular form of entertainment in everyone’s homes, and I’m delighted to continue Asmodee’s relationship with Netflix.”
What projects are in development at Netflix?
For those curious to know if the studio behind Catan is involved with the project, the short answer is no. The long answer is that the projects will be produced by Darren Kyman from Asmodee, Pete Fenlon from Catan Studio (an Asmodee studio), and Guido Teuber and Benjamin Teuber, the sons of creator Klaus Teuber. Roy Lee from Vertigo Entertainment is also attached to produce.
While we don’t know exactly what will come from the partnership, the streamer did share that they plan to develop both scripted and unscripted projects. Through TUDUM, the streamer’s blog that releases news and updates about its series and films, the platform has shared that the projects will span series, features, animation, and unscripted formats. Still, the main takeaway is that they will all exist within this developing storytelling universe.
When is the release date of the projects?
A release date for the first project has not yet been specified, but the wide-ranging deal signals a significant expansion of Netflix’s investment in bringing video games to television, especially as Netflix Games continues to contract with ongoing studio closures.
