Marvel and Disney Versions of Codenames Coming This Fall

In this story from 2017, our writer examines a deal with Czech Games Edition to bring Disney and Marvel branding to Codenames.


Published: February 17, 2017 10:16 PM /

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A Codenames board complete with team allocations

USAopoly, the maker of countless licensed versions of Monopoly, has wrapped up exclusive worldwide licensing rights for Codenames, and it's not wasting any time reskinning the popular party game.

Alongside the announcement of the deal between USAopoly and Czech Games Edition, it was revealed that both Disney and Marvel versions of Codenames are in the works.

Codenames Disney Family Edition will feature content from Disney and Pixar’s film history, and it sounds like it will deviate somewhat from the typical Codenames formula. How exactly it will differ is unclear, but Codenames Marvel Edition is planned to be “more of a traditional party game.”

A set of Marvel Codenames with cards themed around Marvel heroes

Marvel fans can expect to see some of the current hot properties like Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers, and Spider-Man. Presumably, some Marvel heroes that haven’t hit the box office in the last couple of years will also get some attention.

Both the Marvel and Disney editions are intended for ages eight and up, likely making either a solid choice for a family game night.

No other licenses under USAopoly’s umbrella were discussed for future releases, but the stable of licensors they have pulled from in the past is expansive, ranging from HBO to Nintendo. USAopoly also creates versions of Monopoly for corporate clients like UPS and promotional versions for other clients.

A set of Disney-themed Codenames

Codenames isn’t as universally known for receiving this extensive amount of branding, but time will tell. USAopoly is less focused on Monopoly variants of late, particularly after the success of their original game, Telestrations, which is generally well regarded by board game aficionados and casual players.

Do the Disney and Marvel licenses reignite your interest in Codenames or tempt you to try it for the first time? Are there any properties USAopoly has pulled from previously that you would snatch up immediately if applied to Codenames? Let us know in the comments!

(Editor's note: images were added some years after the original publication of this story.)

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| Staff Writer

Husband, father, small business owner, and a gaming fanatic since first playing Outlaw on the Atari 2600. I also make my own games, but nobody plays or buys… More about Travis