“Delivery will be delayed” for the latest installment in Cthulhu: Death May Die board game after Asmodee acquires the franchise

Asmodee has taken over the Cthulhu: Death May Die board game franchise following the financial troubles experienced by its former owner CMON.

After a remarkably difficult year during which CMON reported losses nearing $7 million, the firm has been divesting its intellectual properties in a bid to stop its decline. The immensely popular Cthulhu: Death May Die (crafted by Eric M. Lang and Rob Daviau, who boast some of the finest board games in their portfolio) is the latest victim, now in the hands of tabletop behemoth Asmodee. Consequently, the publisher will now “completely take over CMON’s role” in managing the delivery of the franchise’s newest installment, Cthulhu: Death May Die – Forbidden Reaches.

Forbidden Reaches swiftly garnered $3.9 million in crowdfunding support after launching on Gamefound last year, and although CMON assures in a communication that “almost nothing changes” for supporters regarding contributions and rewards, “delivery will be postponed” due to the transition. Nevertheless, “Asmodee’s primary objective is to deliver the game you’ve eagerly anticipated with the utmost quality and attention it warrants.”

This is not the first CMON property Asmodee has taken on; it’s already acquired the Zombicide franchise. This acquisition followed closely after the new US tariff’s detrimental effects on CMON, which halted development on new ventures and laid off employees as a response.

“While it’s a bittersweet farewell, we are excited to see what lies ahead and what Asmodee intends for the Elder Ones,” notes the Gamefound update. It will undoubtedly be intriguing to observe, as Asmodee already possesses another Lovecraft-themed franchise with Arkham Horror. Will there be a blend of the two, with Cthulhu: Death May Die adopting an Arkham Horror branding similar to Unfathomable?

• Cthulhu: Death May Die – $147.43 $117.94 at Wayland Games
• Cthulhu: Death May Die UK – £109.99 £87.99 at Wayland Games

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Since 2012, I have been writing about games in various forms, and am now in charge of GamesRadar+’s tabletop gaming and toy coverage. You’ll find my hands involved in everything from board game critiques to the latest Lego updates.