In a move that brings licences to UK gamers such as Clash of Clans, Hello Kitty, Dark Souls, and Elden Rings, Zatu Distribution has signed with two of the world’s leading board game publishers: Steamforged Games and Maestro Media which is inclusive of full exclusivity of Maestro Media games as well as exclusivity on a number of titles from Steamforged Games.
These two publishers are renowned in their own right, Steamforged Games best known for their acclaimed tabletop adaptations of iconic video games including Dark Souls, Elden Ring, Monster Hunter World, and Resident Evil. Creating what they call “unforgettable tabletop worlds for you to love and lose yourself in.” as the focus on bringing rich, narrative-driven adventures to the table.
Likewise, Maestro Media is known for turning pop culture franchises into compelling board game experiences with a line up inclusive of Clash of Clans (set to release in 2026), The Binding of Isaac as well as global icons such as Hello Kitty, The Smurfs and even Donald Duck.
The two new additions join existing partner Iconiq Studios, who have launched licensed games based on SAW, Evil Dead, and Tomb Raider forming a holy trinity of licensed publishers in the Zatu Distribution fold, a fold that already includes Incredible Dream, Fratelli Games and Wonderbow as they strive to support a broad spectrum of retailers from specialist hobby stores to bookshops, toyshops, and e-commerce outlets.
Javon Frazier, CEO of Maestro Media, commented: “We take great pride in the games we create, so it’s essential we partner with those who share that same passion. Zatu has consistently championed our titles, and we’re truly excited to build on that success together.”
Toby Davies, Commercial Director at Steamforged Games said: “Zatu has been a trusted partner through their fulfillment team, and we’ve already valued their reliability and understanding of our products. Expanding that relationship into distribution, too, feels like a natural next step. They know our games, our audiences, and where those games belong – and that makes all the difference.”
Zatu Distribution a division that officially launched at the UK Games Expo back in June is powered by three high-efficiency warehouses and a team of seasoned industry professionals including Rory Kelly and Rob Trounce who were both instrumental at Hachette Board Games UK previously as well as Broma Patel, formerly of Coiledspring Games. The team has also welcomed Ryan Oliver, bringing further support across sales and account management.
Zatu Distribution continue expanding their portfolio of world renowned publishers, with the inclusion of Maestro Media and Steamforged Games alongside existing partners such as Iconiq Studios signals a strategic expansion delivering high-quality licences to the UK Board Game market.
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