Binding of Isaac tabletop publisher Maestro Media hails ‘defining moment’ in agreeing Asmodee distribution deal
Maestro Media, the publishing company adapting IPs such as Hello Kitty and video game The Binding of Isaac to the tabletop, has signed an exclusive distribution deal with Asmodee for its English language products in the US, United Arab Emirates and South Africa.
The deal comes 18 months after Maestro agreed a global distribution deal with Flat River Group, which saw it take on responsibility for managing sales, marketing, and events for Maestro’s English catalogue.
Maestro, which was launched a decade ago, made a name for itself in 2018 when it teamed up with Edmund McMillen, the creator of The Binding of Isaac video game, to launch a Kickstarter for a board game version – a campaign which raised over $2.6m, followed by another $6.7m through a crowdfunded expansion three years later.
The company’s catalogue also includes current Kickstarter title Clash of Clans: The Epic Raid, 2001: A Space Odyssey – The Board Game, Hello Kitty: Day at the Park, and Antoine Bauza co-design Smurfs’ Hidden Village.
Maestro Media founder and CEO Javon Frazier said, “Partnering with Asmodee is a defining moment for Maestro Media. As we enter this next stage of growth, we’re focused on expanding the ways fans connect with our games – and there’s no better partner to do it with.
“Asmodee’s reach, reputation, and commitment to quality align perfectly with our vision of continuously creating unforgettable, community-driven experiences. We’re honored to keep growing alongside them.”
Julien Sharp, country manager of Asmodee USA, added, “This partnership is a perfect match – Maestro’s innovative and fan-driven approach to game design, combined with Asmodee’s robust distribution network and retail reach, sets the stage for something truly special. “
The news comes a month after Maestro announced a strategic partnership with Asmodee’s game supplies and accessories unit Gamegenic, to bring the latter’s products to Maestro brands – starting with Eric Lang and Ken Gruhl design Clash of Clans: The Epic Raid.
Other distribution deals signed by Asmodee this year include teaming with veteran German toy and game maker HABA to distribute its games in France, and agreeing to distribute the titles of German language publisher Frosted Games in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Other recent Asmodee news includes the tabletop gaming giant hiring David Preti, the recently-resigned COO of financially-troubled board game publisher CMON, to head up its own crowdfunding and miniatures strategy.
That hire emerged a week after Asmodee bought CMON’s flagship IP Zombicide, stripping the company of a series which has raised more than $40m on Kickstarter since its 2012 launch.
