Codenames is getting Disney-Pixar and Marvel spin-offs

Vlaada Chvátil’s fabulous word game Codenames has taken the tabletop world by storm since it appeared in 2015, picking up the 2016 Spiel des Jahres, rocketing right to the top of BoardGameGeek’s party game rankings and receiving the equally fantastic visual spin-off Codenames Pictures last year.

Now it looks like the ace smash hit is to become even smashier-hittier with two licensed spin-offs set to appear in time for Christmas this year.

The first branded take on the formula will be inspired by the animated works of Disney and Pixar, featuring characters and places from films such as Frozen, Toy Story, Finding Dory and the rest of the combined studios’ expansive catalogue.

Second will be Codenames Marvel Edition, based on the comic book publisher-cum-movie blockbuster maker’s output and including cameos from Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, The Avengers (covering Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, Hawkeye and Hulk), Guardians of the Galaxy and more.

Hopefully the new releases will follow the format adopted by Codenames Pictures and be fully compatible with the previous entries in the series, allowing you to mix things up a bit as you see fit.

The unfortunate news is that publisher USAopoly, working with original Codenames label Czech Games Edition, has stated that the two spin-offs are currently planned to be exclusive to North America, so you’ll have to import them (paying the RRP of $25 (£20) plus shipping and customs) in order to add them to your library. They’ll be out in the last quarter of the year if you’re interested.