Netflix to Adapt Popular Board Game Catan

Netflix is expanding its content library beyond video games, now targeting the world of board games. The streaming giant has announced plans to adapt Catan, the globally recognized strategy game designed by Klaus Teuber in 1995. This partnership with Asmodee will bring the game to screens in various formats.

Catan, a settlement-building game focused on resource management, is known for its tactical gameplay and strategic negotiations. Jinny Howe, Netflix’s head of scripted content, highlighted the potential for dramatic narratives arising from the game’s inherent tension and strategic depth. The adaptation is expected to involve both animation and live-action possibilities, with plans to enrich the abstract game with characters and storylines. The involvement of original game creators, Guido and Benjamin Teuber, ensures creative integrity.

This isn’t Netflix’s first venture into adapting tabletop games. Previously, the card game Exploding Kittens was transformed into both a mobile game on Netflix Games and an animated series. Given this precedent, Catan is likely to see similar multi-platform releases.

The goal isn’t merely a visual recreation of the game, but a reimagining of its strategic nature through dramatic storytelling. While Netflix has had successes in video game adaptations (such as Splinter Cell), consistently capturing the essence of diverse games remains a challenge. The timing for the Catan adaptation is not yet announced, but development is underway, and a focus on managing audience expectations is anticipated.

Related: Netflix Games, Asmodee, Exploding Kittens