Netflix is diving into the Catan universe in a big way! The streaming giant is officially developing a major franchise based on the popular strategy game that will span both scripted and unscripted television and movie projects. On Tuesday, Oct. 21, Jinny Howe, who serves as the head of scripted series in the U.S. and Canada at Netflix, released a statement saying that she was “thrilled” by the streamer’s partnership with game publisher Asmodee.
“We knew landing this deal would be as game-changing as a well-placed settlement, so we decided to pool our resources across series, features, animation, and games and show Asmodee the full power of Netflix when we work together. Hardcore ‘Settlers’ are going to lose their minds, and new fans will finally learn just how important a sheep trade can be.”
Initially titled Settlers of Catan, it was created by board game designer Klaus Teuber and released in Germany in 1995. It has since been translated into more than 40 different languages and sold all around the world. Back in 2015, in celebration of its 20th anniversary, the game was rebranded to just Catan and re-released. Aside from the original version, there are also variants inspired by popular media, including Game of Thrones and Star Trek.
Following Netflix’s announcement, co-CEOs of Catan GmbH, Benjamin and Guido Teuber, said their father “imagined an aspirational world where people would gather by trading, building and settling together — both at the table and beyond it” when he first created the hit game.
“This collaboration with Netflix marks an exciting new chapter in that journey,” they continued. “For three decades, Catan has connected families and friends around the world. Now, we’re thrilled to see it inspire storytelling on a global stage — staying true to our father’s vision of creativity, strategy and human connection.”
Endless Possibilities for the ‘Catan’ Universe
The original board game combines luck, strategy and world-building with players operating as settlers who are developing their homes on the island of Catan. Throughout the game, players collect and trade resources as they strategically construct roads, villages and cities. Each smaller settlement earns a player one point, while each city earns two. Whoever reaches 10 victory points first is declared the winner.
While no official details on specific shows or films have been announced, the broadness of the game’s concept could allow for Netflix to develop vastly different projects from a wide array of genres all set in the Catan universe, from gritty historical dramas about settlers first arriving on the island to adventure-themed animated children’s series. The addition of unscripted projects also opens the door for the possibilities of documentaries, games shows, or even a Survivor-esque reality television show where contestants are forced to build shelters, forage for food and form communities of their own.
Asmodee CEO Thomas Koegler praised the deal with Netflix, noting the upcoming franchise will allow the game to expand to a “larger audience who will discover the richness of its universe.”
“I find it exciting for the future of the brand. It’s also a testament that board gaming is truly part of pop culture and a popular form of entertainment in everyone’s homes, and I’m delighted to continue Asmodee’s relationship with Netflix.”