Asmodee Acquires ‘Zombicide’, The Undead Franchise Will (Un)Live Again
Board game giant Asmodee has picked up the rights to Zombicide from publisher CMON in the midst of economic turmoil.
Asmodee has acquired the rights to Zomibcide, according to a new release. After former publisher CMON reported a cessation of all active development projects, it seems Asmodee has swooped in with new Zombicide ideas in mind. Nothing solid, yet, but Zombicide will (un)live on as part of the Guillotine Games label under Asmodee.
Asmodee Acquires Zombicide
Details are sparse enough. No word on how much the acquisition cost. Or even what the company plans to do with the franchise, exactly. But this marks the first purchase for Asmodee since it became an independent company earlier this year.
Especially in contrast to CMON’s current troubles. The Trump tariffs have taken their toll on the tabletop industry. And though it is disheartening to see a tabletop titan toppling, fans of the Zombicide franchise might find some small solace in the fact that the game will live on.
According to a statement from Asmodee president Thomas Koegler the company will soon be figuring out whatever comes next for the venerable board game franchise
“We are proud the iconic Zombicide IP further strengthens our tabletop games portfolio and allows us to reinforce our presence in key geographies. I can’t wait for the team to get to work at what’s coming next for this fantastic IP.”
And sure, that statement is dryer than a mouthful of stale crackers. People are always out there saying they’re reinforcing key geographies, and they’re excited about it. But what the announcement highlights for me is the start of a long spiral for the tabletop industry. With Trump tariff instability and uncertainty affecting the industry at all corners, we are about to see it get a lot smaller.
Companies like Asmodee are going to be snapping up the smaller, struggling publishers. And while that might mean some games are saved, the industry isn’t going to be the same. We’re watching a decade plus of growth start to collapse in. The vultures are circling. Soon it will be time for the feast.
Zombicide was one of CMON’s biggest franchises—it’ll be interesting to see how, or if, they pull out of this.
