Asmodee Acquires Zombicide IP from CMON Amidst Financial Struggles

In a significant move within the tabletop gaming industry, Asmodee, a leading international publisher and distributor, announced on June 10 that it has acquired the rights to Zombicide, CMON’s hugely successful board game IP. This marks Asmodee’s first acquisition since becoming an independent company in April, and according to CEO Thomas Koegler, it’s just the beginning of their growth strategy.

The Zombicide IP will now operate under Asmodee’s Guillotine Games board game label. Xavier Audoin, Asmodee’s global corporate communication manager, confirmed that this acquisition grants them “full rights to the existing range of games as well as the opportunity to develop new titles.”  The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Interestingly, while Asmodee gains the entire Zombicide IP, the two comic book tie-in games, ‘Marvel Zombies: A Zombicide Game’ and ‘DCEASED: A Zombicide Game’, will remain under CMON’s management. Their specific board game licenses have not transferred in this deal.

For fans concerned about immediate changes, Audoin suggests minimal disruption. “There are no employee transfers included in the deal, and no additional hires are needed to support the existing game portfolio” within Asmodee, he stated. Furthermore, Asmodee already handles the distribution of CMON’s games in many regions, which should smooth the transition.

A Look Back at Zombicide’s Legacy

Zombicide first burst onto the scene in 2012, revolutionizing the tabletop landscape. Crowdfunded via Kickstarter, it raised an impressive $781,597, establishing CMON (CoolMiniOrNot at the time) as a major player. This miniature-packed, lightweight dungeon crawler was a breakout hit and played a significant role in sparking the crowdfunding boom within the tabletop industry.

Its formula – combining good graphic design, approachable rules, and a plethora of plastic miniatures – proved incredibly influential. Zombicide convinced many publishers that a wealth of plastic components, regardless of their necessity to the core gameplay, was a key ingredient for a successful board game. The IP has since seen numerous expansions, sequels, and spin-offs, cementing its place as a cornerstone of modern board gaming.

CMON’s Continued Restructuring

This sale comes amidst a period of significant difficulty for CMON. Just prior to the Zombicide deal, CMON divested three other prominent board game lines – Blood Rage, Rising Sun, and ANKH: Gods of Egypt – to competitor Tabletop Tycoon at the end of May.

The company’s financial struggles became publicly apparent earlier this year. In April, CMON laid off development staff and froze all future crowdfunding campaigns, citing “extraordinary tariffs” on Chinese imports to America. Even before these measures, CMON was in visible trouble. Its stocks were delisted from the Hong Kong stock exchange in early April due to a failure to publish finalized accounts in a timely manner. Provisional accounts for the year had already shown a substantial loss, severely depleting the firm’s cash reserves.

Asmodee’s Ambitious Future

Asmodee’s acquisition of Zombicide signals its renewed focus on growth following its recent independence from Embracer Group. The large multinational investment vehicle dissolved into three successor companies in April this year, freeing Asmodee to pursue its own strategic objectives. In the run-up to this independence, CEO Thomas Koegler publicly announced the firm’s intention to expand by acquiring promising board game brands and companies, with at least twenty already on their radar. The Zombicide acquisition is a clear statement of intent.

What Does This Mean for You?

Are you a dedicated Zombicide fan with fond memories of that original, landmark Kickstarter? Or are you among those concerned about the delivery of outstanding CMON Kickstarters given the company’s recent troubles? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What do you think this acquisition means for the future of the Zombicide franchise and for CMON as a publisher?