Hachette Boardgames UK is releasing a new Bandai licensed Pac-Man version of the intuitive strategy game Quoridor.
With 2023 being a record sales year for Gigamic’s wooden abstract games line up, in particular, Quoridor, Hachette Boardgames UK has launched a brand new Bandai licensed version of Quoridor Pac-Man.
Quoridor has gone from strength-to-strength since it first launched in 1997 and been a family favourite across Europe. Many of the Gigamic design team have grown up playing the game before working with it as a commercial product and with record sales across the globe, 2023 was something of a watershed moment for the game. It sparked hype on social media – especially on TikTok – and the game now has over 1b views and has found a place within the Kidult market at retail.
Gigamic’s chief editor, Alain Mihranyan, a self-professed disciple of Quoridor, wanted to ensure that any licensed version was developed sympathetically to the original game, to ensure that fans old and new can continue to enjoy the game in new formats. Growing up as a fan of the Pac-Man franchise, the synergy between both Gigamic’s Quoridor and Bandai has led to this all-new version of Quoridor.
As with the base game, the new Pac-Man version will still allow players to discover the core rules of classic Quoridor. Using the wooden 3D sculpted Pac-Man and fan favourite ghosts, players can now discover an entirely new, unique and asymmetric game for 2-5 players with Pac-Man Quoridor. The style of the game has had a makeover to give it a video game vibe and retro feel whilst retaining the visual identity of Quoridor and ensuring a fully sustainable wooden play set.
In 2023, Hachette Boardgames UK, which distributes the full Gigamic range, recorded the strongest sales for Quoridor that the game has ever had, driven by both independent and high street retail partners who helped drive engagement through in-store demonstration zones, theatre and supporting live events.
Plans are already underway for in-store activations across both the UK and Ireland, with launches planned for UK Games Expo and other key shows throughout the year where players can get hands-on with their arcade favourite as well as give their minds a mental work out.
Quoridor Pac-Man is having its first public launch at London Toy Fair, where retailers can see the game for the first time ahead of the June 2024 launch to the public.
Hachette Board Games can be found on Stand UL 128 and the company can be contacted on 07424 900 264 or floisier@hachetteboardgames.co.uk.
