Netflix has secured exclusive global rights to the highly-regarded board game Catan, originally created by Klaus Teuber in 1995. Under this extensive agreement, the streaming giant will produce a variety of content including live-action and animated films, scripted TV series, unscripted projects, and video games based on the popular multi-player game, which has sold over 45 million copies worldwide and has been translated into more than 40 languages.
This initiative represents the first time the fictional island of Catan will be adapted for the screen. The game immerses players in a world where settlers must navigate complex landscapes, establish alliances, and deal with limited resources all while contending with robbers. The blend of strategy, negotiation, and world-building in Catan provides a compelling backdrop for dramatic storytelling.
Jinny Howe, Head of Scripted Series for US and Canada at Netflix, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Anyone who has played Catan knows that the intense strategy at the core of the game has endless opportunities for some serious drama. We’re thrilled to partner across series, features, animation, and games to bring this world to life for hardcore ‘Settlers’ and new fans alike.”
The collaboration includes producers from the game’s publisher Asmodee, such as Darren Kyman and Pete Fenlon from Catan Studio, along with Klaus Teuber’s sons, Guido and Benjamin, and Roy Lee from Vertigo Entertainment. Thomas Koegler, Asmodee’s CEO, highlighted the game’s significant impact, saying, “I’m thrilled to see the game expanding to a larger audience who will discover the richness of its universe.”
This new development further strengthens Asmodee’s existing relationship with Netflix, which has previously led to adaptations like the French film *Family Pack*, based on the card game *The Werewolves of Millers Hollow*. Additionally, Asmodee has been involved in creating board games inspired by Netflix’s popular series, including *Ozark*, *Squid Game*, and *Stranger Things*.
Benjamin and Guido Teuber, co-CEOs of Catan GmbH, reflected on their father’s vision for Catan: “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. This collaboration with Netflix marks an exciting new chapter in that journey.”
Netflix’s expanding portfolio of game-to-screen adaptations also includes notable titles such as *Arcane*, *Castlevania*, and upcoming projects like an *Assassin’s Creed* series and a reality competition series based on *Monopoly*. The deal was facilitated by agents from CAA and the law firm Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson, and Christopher on behalf of Asmodee and Catan GmbH. This collaboration not only underscores the popularity of Catan but also signals a growing trend of board games being transformed into engaging screen content.