In a surprising development for fans of the hit Hulu series “Only Murders in the Building,” Funko Games has announced the creation of a board game adaptation of the popular show. The revelation came during this weekend’s Gen Con, one of the largest tabletop gaming conventions in North America.
Game Mechanics & Pricing
The board game, which will allow players to step into the shoes of the show’s amateur sleuths, is set to retail at $29 according to an Amazon listing. The game’s mechanics revolve around exploring the Arconia, the fictional New York City apartment building that serves as the primary setting for the series. Players will search for clues, represented by tiles on the central part of the board, & attempt to connect them to ultimately identify the murderer.
The Show’s Premise & Success
This adaptation captures the essence of the critically acclaimed comedy-mystery series, which stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, & Selena Gomez. The show follows three residents of the Arconia who, bound by their shared passion for true crime podcasts, find themselves embroiled in real-life mysteries. As they investigate murders within their building, they document their findings through their own true crime podcast.
The success of “Only Murders in the Building” has been remarkable, with all three lead actors receiving Golden Globe nominations for their performances. The show’s unique blend of humor & mystery has resonated with audiences, making it a prime candidate for adaptation into other media formats.
Changes at Funko Games
The announcement of this board game is particularly noteworthy in the context of recent changes at Funko Games. Earlier this year, the company was unexpectedly acquired by Goliath Games, a move that saw Goliath take over both the Funko Games name & its portfolio of licensed games. The “Only Murders in the Building” board game represents one of the first high-profile releases for Funko Games under its new ownership.
However, the acquisition was not without controversy. The original designers at Funko Games were laid off during the transition, a decision that led to the formation of a new, independent game design studio by these displaced creators. This background adds an intriguing layer to the release of the “Only Murders in the Building” game, as it may be one of the last projects conceptualized by the original Funko Games team.
Expanding the Brand
The creation of this board game underscores the expanding influence of “Only Murders in the Building” beyond its original medium. It demonstrates the show’s strong brand recognition & the potential for cross-media engagement with its fanbase. By allowing players to actively participate in solving a mystery within the Arconia, the game promises to extend the show’s appeal into the interactive realm of tabletop gaming.
The Future of Adaptations
As the board game market continues to grow, with licensed properties playing a significant role, the “Only Murders in the Building” game could potentially pave the way for more adaptations of popular streaming series. This trend reflects the increasing synergy between different entertainment sectors & the desire for audiences to engage with their favorite content in diverse ways.
The announcement at Gen Con, a hub for board game enthusiasts & industry professionals, suggests that Funko Games & Goliath are positioning this release to appeal to both fans of the show & the broader tabletop gaming community. As more details emerge about the board game’s mechanics & how closely it mirrors the show’s narrative style, it will be interesting to see how well it captures the unique charm & intrigue that has made “Only Murders in the Building” a standout series.
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