Asmodee launches new distribution business to get English titles into European stores

Board game giant Asmodee has launched a new distribution business aimed at supplying “new, niche and hard-to-get” English-language titles to European retailers.

Asmodee already distributes games throughout Europe via a string of country-specific subsidiaries covering France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, The Netherlands and the Nordic countries.

But it hopes its European Player Network will help it speed up getting English tabletop games and RPGs to Europe-based stores via a single EU-based hub for shipping and distribution.

Publishers currently listed on EPN’s web portal include Plaid Hat Games, Pandasaurus, Catalyst Games Labs and The OP, among others.

Asmodee said retailers would be able to order just a single copy of a game if they wish, but individual store orders will only be shipped when they reach the minimum order value of €500.

Registered retailers can apply to use the service here, and Asmodee is also looking for more publishers to come on board.

Earlier this week it emerged Tomb Raider and Borderlands developer Embracer Group is planning a slew of video games based on Asmodee‘s board game range, as the company tries to leverage its intellectual property amid plans to slash its $1.45bn of debt.

Asmodee is a huge part of Embracer’s business, rivalling its PC and Console segment for overall sales. Asmodee provided $1.22bn of sales for Embracer last year, compared to $1.25bn for PC and Console.

The company publishes board games under 22 subsidiaries including Catan Studio, Days of Wonder, Fantasy Flight Games, Lookout Games and Z-Men Games, with its biggest IPs including Ticket to Ride, Catan, Splendor, 7 Wonders, Azul, Dobble/Spot It! and Star Wars: Legion.