CMON halts new titles as tariffs disrupt board game production

As part of this strategic shift, the company confirmed it has implemented staff reductions affecting its creative teams.

Board game publisher CMON announced a temporary halt to all new game development and crowdfunding campaigns, citing ongoing tariff-related challenges.

In a company update, CMON stated: “Given global conditions, and most notably the situation with tariffs, CMON has decided to focus on our current commitments to our customers and partners, and prioritise the timely delivery of existing projects.”

As part of this strategic shift, the company confirmed it has implemented staff reductions affecting its creative teams.

“Unfortunately, this involves extremely difficult staffing decisions, affecting all of our creative teams with reductions,” the statement read. “We did not make this choice lightly, and our thoughts are with everyone impacted.”

The company emphasised that the pause is temporary and intended to protect ongoing commitments and ensure project fulfillment during uncertain times.

“It is our responsibility to take these difficult measures to ensure that we can keep current projects on track and deliver them in a timely manner,” CMON said. “We will of course resume new development as soon as possible.”

The update also acknowledged broader industry challenges, noting that the board game sector has faced multiple disruptions in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic. “Unpredictable situations like the recent tariffs, or COVID just a few years ago, present challenges for everyone in board games,” the company wrote.

Despite the pause in new initiatives, CMON reaffirmed its dedication to its existing community. “Please rest assured that these decisions will help ensure that we keep our commitments to our backers, partners, and community.”

CMON has not provided a timeline for when new development will resume but indicated it remains committed to its long-term vision once trade conditions stabilise.