The highly popular board game Catan is officially getting a Netflix adaptation! The streaming giant has announced plans to develop a range of projects, including both scripted and unscripted series, all stemming from a new partnership with Asmodee and Catan Studio. Klaus Teuber, who originally created Catan in 1995, may no longer be with us, but his sons, Guido and Benjamin Teuber, will be actively involved in bringing these new ventures to fruition.
“Millions of people have enjoyed Catan since its creation, and for many, it serves as a wonderful introduction to modern board gaming,” stated Thomas Koegler, CEO of Asmodee, in a recent press release. “I’m incredibly excited to see the game reach an even broader audience who will get to explore the rich universe of Catan. It’s truly a thrilling prospect for the brand’s future. This also perfectly demonstrates how board gaming has firmly established itself as a significant part of pop culture and a beloved form of entertainment in homes everywhere, and I’m delighted to continue Asmodee’s collaboration with Netflix.”
Originally known as “The Settlers of Catan,” this game has achieved global success, selling an impressive 45 million units since its initial release. For those unfamiliar, Catan is a multiplayer board game where players assume the roles of settlers. Their primary objective is to build a thriving settlement and earn victory points by strategically acquiring and utilizing various resources to expand their holdings.
The trend of adapting video games and tabletop intellectual properties (IP) into cinematic and television formats has seen a significant rise in recent years. Streaming services like Netflix are actively competing to secure licenses for popular franchises. Netflix, in particular, has enjoyed considerable success with adaptations such as Castlevania, Arcane, Devil May Cry, and Exploding Kittens. They are also currently developing an Assassin’s Creed series.
Not to be outdone, Amazon has its own roster of major adaptations. Their critically acclaimed Fallout TV series has been a massive hit, and they have exciting upcoming projects including God of War, Wolfenstein, Mass Effect, and Warhammer 40K, all slated to expand beloved game worlds onto the screen.