Netflix has reached a deal for exclusive global rights to the popular multiplayer board game Catania. Under the broad deal, the streamer will develop live-action and animated films and scripted television series as well as unscripted projects and video games based on Catania by Klaus Teuber, originally released in 1995 under the title The settlers of Cataniawhich has sold over 45 million copies and been translated into over 40 languages.
This is the first attempt to bring to the screen the fictional island of Catan, a place where settlers must navigate abundant and varied landscapes, shifting alliances and limited resources, while thieves roam the lands. The game mixes strategy, resource trading and world building.
“Anyone who has played Catania knows that the intense strategy at the heart of the game provides endless opportunities for serious drama,” said Jinny Howe, Head of Scripted Series, US & Canada, Netflix. “We’re excited to partner across series, feature films, animation and games to bring this world to life for hardcore ‘Settlers’ and new fans alike. ”
Darren Kyman of game publisher Asmodee, Pete Fenlon of Catan Studio (an Asmodee studio) and Teuber’s sons, Guido Teuber and Benjamin Teuber, will produce all projects under the deal alongside Roy Lee of Vertigo Entertainment.
“Millions of people benefit Catania since its creation and for many, it remains a gateway to modern board gaming,” said Thomas Koegler, CEO of asmodee. “I am delighted to see the game expand to a wider audience who will discover the richness of its universe, I find this exciting for the future of the brand.”
The deal expands Asmodee’s existing relationship with Netflix, which spans the streamer’s 2024 French film. Family Pack, based on the Asmodee card game The Werewolves of Millers Hollow, as well as Asmodee creating board games based on popular Netflix shows such as Ozark, Squid Game, Stranger Things And The Bridgerton Chronicles.
“When our father Klaus Teuber first introduced Catan thirty years ago, he imagined an ambitious world where people would come together by trading, building and settling down together – both at the table and beyond,” said Benjamin and Guido Teuber, co-CEOs of Catan GmbH. “This collaboration with Netflix marks an exciting new chapter in this journey.”
In addition to Family Pack, other Netflix screen play adaptations include Arcane, Castlevania, Explosive Kittens as well as the next Assassin’s Creed Series, Clue And Monopoly reality competition series, Magic: The Gathering animated series, theDungeons and Dragons live-action seriesForgotten Realmsand theWar equipmentmovie.
The agreement was negotiated by CAA and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson and Christopher on behalf of Asmodee and Catan GmbH.
