Twin Sails Departs Asmodee in Management Buyout
– 1 min read
As it gains independence from the Embracer Group, Asmodee is sharpening its focus on its core board game business. Its in-house video game studio, Twin Sails, is spinning off through a management buyout (MBO) and striking out on its own as an indie publisher.
The ongoing breakup of the Embracer Group continues to bring about structural changes. One of these is Asmodee’s renewed concentration on board games. As the now-independent group has announced, Twin Sails will exit the company through an MBO. Twin Sails is the publisher behind titles such as Gloomhaven Digital, Ember Knights, News Tower, Bloomtown: A Different Story, and Survival: Fountain of Youth.
Founded in 2016 as Asmodee Digital, Twin Sails served as the group’s video game subsidiary before Asmodee becoming part of Embracer in 2020 (in German). Nicolas Godement, CEO of Twin Sails Interactive, called the MBO an exciting new chapter for the company. "Our time within Asmodee provided us with invaluable experience, and we are grateful for the collaboration that helped shape our journey. Now, as an independent publisher, we move forward with confidence, ready to pursue our bold and energized vision for the future," he said.
And Thomas Koegler, CEO of Asmodee, added: "We are proud to see Twin Sails Interactive set sail towards new horizons under the leadership of its passionate management team. This transition marks an exciting new chapter, ensuring continuity while allowing both Asmodee and Twin Sails Interactive to thrive in their respective areas of expertise."
Although Asmodee is parting ways with its video game studio, this does not signal an end to digital adaptations of its board games. These will continue to be promoted via its own digital platform, Board Game Arena, which was brought by Asmodee in 2020 (in German). In addition, Asmodee plans to collaborate with external studios that specialize in board game adaptations, acting as a licensor.
The MBO, which affects all 20 employees, does not require regulatory approval. Asmodee does not anticipate any significant financial impact from the move, as Twin Sails contributed only 0.5% to Asmodee’s revenue in the 2023/2024 financial year.
Written by
