Asmodee acquires rights to Zombicide
Since 2012, Zombicide has epitomised the Kickstarter boom like no other game. CMON has raised almost 41 million US dollars through numerous crowdfunding campaigns. More than two million copies sold worldwide make the co-operative miniatures game one of the most successful titles of the last decade.
However, despite this success, CMON is currently experiencing massive financial difficulties. In 2024, the company recorded a loss of over three million US dollars, which more than wiped out the profits of the last three years combined. Increasing uncertainty due to US punitive tariffs, higher production costs and a faltering crowdfunding market have put the publisher under severe pressure.
Asmodee steps in - and thinks bigger
The purchase comes at the right time for Asmodee. CEO Thomas Koegler speaks of a new acquisition strategy that is intended to build on the expansion of the 2010s. According to Asmodee, it already has over 20 potential takeover targets in its sights. Zombicide is now the first publicised result of this strategy. Koegler comments on the deal with confidence: ‘We are proud that we have been able to add an iconic IP to our portfolio with Zombicide - and we look forward to developing it further internationally.’
CMON in crisis
The problems at CMON go far beyond the sale of individual titles. At the end of May, the company had already sold five other major IPs - including Blood Rage, Rising Sun and Ankh - to Tabletop Tycoon. Despite individual successes (e.g. DCeased: A Zombicide Game with USD 2.5 million), CMON recorded a 17 per cent drop in sales and is currently facing liquidity shortages, staff shortages and cancelled investor deals. Nine outstanding crowdfunding campaigns with a total volume of over 18 million US dollars are an additional burden.
What does this mean for the industry?
With this step, Asmodee is once again demonstrating its focus on the market and its willingness to invest even in times of crisis. While smaller publishers are struggling for planning security, Asmodee is using the fluctuations in the market to make targeted acquisitions.
For gamers, this could mean new life for the Zombicide brand. Even if Asmodee was already largely responsible for marketing, the brand could be given an even broader presence in stationary retail. Perhaps there will also be new editions.
Source: brettspielbox.de