Netflix is betting big on board games. The streaming giant has acquired global rights to develop projects based on “Catan,” the beloved strategy game that’s captivated millions since its 1995 debut, marking another major move in the platform’s growing gaming adaptation portfolio.
From Game Night to Global Entertainment
The ambitious deal encompasses development across multiple formats: film, scripted and unscripted television, live-action, and animation. It’s a comprehensive approach that signals Netflix’s confidence in Catan’s storytelling potential and its ability to translate tabletop strategy into compelling visual entertainment.
The projects will be produced by an all-star team including Darren Kyman from game publisher asmodee, Pete Fenlon of Catan Studios (an asmodee studio), Guido and Benjamin Teuber (sons of Catan inventor Klaus Teuber), and Roy Lee of Vertigo Entertainment, the producer behind hits like “The Lego Movie” and “It.”
A Gateway Game Goes Hollywood
Originally released by Klaus Teuber in 1995 as “The Settlers of Catan,” the game has evolved into a cultural phenomenon. With over 45 million copies sold worldwide and translations in more than 40 languages, Catan has introduced countless players to modern board gaming through its accessible yet strategic gameplay.
In the game, players arrive on the fictional island of Catan, where they must acquire resources, build settlements, and trade with opponents to accumulate victory points and claim victory. The blend of strategy, negotiation, and resource management has made it a staple of game nights for three decades.
“Millions of people are enjoying ‘Catan’ since it was created and for many, it remains a gateway to modern board gaming,” said Thomas Koegler, CEO of asmodee. “I’m thrilled to see the game expanding to a larger audience who will discover the richness of its universe. It’s also a testament that board gaming is truly part of pop culture and a popular form of entertainment in everyone’s homes.”
Honoring the Creator’s Vision
The late Klaus Teuber’s sons, Benjamin and Guido Teuber, who now serve as co-CEOs of Catan GmbH, emphasized how the Netflix partnership aligns with their father’s original vision for the game.
“When our father Klaus Teuber first introduced ‘Catan’ thirty years ago, he imagined an aspirational world where people would gather by trading, building and settling together — both at the table and beyond it,” they said in a joint statement. “This collaboration with Netflix marks an exciting new chapter in that journey. For three decades, ‘Catan’ has connected families and friends around the world. Now, we’re thrilled to see it inspire storytelling on a global stage — staying true to our father’s vision of creativity, strategy and human connection.”
Netflix’s Gaming Expansion Strategy
The Catan deal fits squarely within Netflix’s aggressive push into gaming-based content. The streaming platform has already found success with video game adaptations, most notably the critically acclaimed animated series “Arcane” (based on “League of Legends”) and the “Castlevania” animated series.
Recently, Netflix announced orders for an “Assassin’s Creed” series and a “Monopoly” reality competition show, demonstrating its appetite for translating beloved games into diverse entertainment formats.
“Anyone who has played ‘Catan’ knows that the intense strategy at the core of the game has endless opportunities for some serious drama,” said Jinny Howe, head of scripted series for the US and Canada at Netflix. “We’re thrilled to partner across series, features, animation, and games to bring this world to life for hardcore ‘Settlers’ and new fans alike.”
What Could Catan Look Like on Screen?
While specific project details remain under wraps, Catan’s premise offers rich storytelling possibilities. The game’s themes of exploration, resource scarcity, negotiation, and competition for limited territory provide natural dramatic tension. The fictional island setting allows for world-building that could appeal to fantasy audiences, while the game’s emphasis on strategy and social dynamics could translate well to reality competition formats.
The multi-format approach suggests Netflix is hedging its bets, testing Catan’s appeal across different audience demographics and content types. An animated series could capture the game’s whimsical aesthetic, while live-action drama might explore darker themes of colonization and resource conflict. Meanwhile, an unscripted competition series could showcase actual gameplay elevated with production value.
The Board Game Cinematic Universe?
As streaming platforms compete for distinctive content, board game adaptations represent an intriguing frontier. These properties come with built-in name recognition, devoted fanbases, and flexible intellectual property that can be adapted in multiple directions without being bound to existing narratives.
Whether Netflix can successfully translate the communal experience of gathering around a table for Catan into compelling streaming content remains to be seen. But with 45 million copies sold and three decades of cultural staying power, the game has proven its ability to captivate audiences. Now it’s Netflix’s turn to roll the dice and see if that magic translates to the screen.
