Cephalofair’s Gloomhaven 2E Breaks Free from Tariff Tangle, But Surcharges Loom

Good news for eager backers of Gloomhaven 2nd Edition! Cephalofair Games has announced that the highly anticipated product, previously held captive in China by the staggering 145% tariffs, is finally on the move. This development brings a sigh of relief to a community that has been anxiously awaiting their copies of the behemoth dungeon-crawler.

The news comes after a period of significant uncertainty for Cephalofair, which had an estimated $1.2 million worth of Gloomhaven 2E product stranded overseas due to the sudden and exorbitant tariffs imposed in April. The initial 145% tariff effectively halted shipments, leaving many publishers in a precarious position.

Cephalofair has now secured ocean transport, albeit at higher prices. The rush of products currently heading for U.S. ports, a direct consequence of the recent, albeit temporary, reduction in tariffs, has driven up freight costs. Despite these increased expenses, Gloomhaven 2E is expected to reach U.S. shores in late June. Once the notoriously congested ports are navigated, Cephalofair anticipates commencing backer fulfillment, with a trade release presumably following soon after.

However, the tariff saga isn’t entirely without impact on the end consumer. Cephalofair has informed crowdfunding backers that a tariff surcharge equivalent to the tariff on the manufacturing cost will be added to their orders. While this will be significantly less than 30% of the retail price, it is a direct reflection of the added financial burden placed on the company.

In a commendable move, Cephalofair has committed to absorbing several other significant costs associated with the tariff turmoil. This includes the increased freight costs, port congestion charges, and extended warehousing fees. This decision demonstrates the company’s effort to minimize the financial impact on its dedicated backer community, shouldering a substantial portion of the unexpected expenses.

While the exact impact on copies distributed to the trade has not yet been specified, it’s highly probable that these tariff costs will be passed on to that channel as well. This could translate to slightly higher wholesale prices for retailers, which may, in turn, affect the final retail price for customers purchasing the game from their local game stores.

The journey of Gloomhaven 2nd Edition highlights the volatility and unpredictability of global trade policies and their direct impact on industries reliant on international manufacturing and shipping. Cephalofair’s transparency and their efforts to mitigate the financial burden on backers are a testament to their commitment, even as they navigate a challenging economic landscape. For now, the most important news is that Gloomhaven 2E is on its way, and that’s a reason for celebration among its dedicated fanbase.