Brantford, Ontario, March 23, 2023 - Gibsons Games announce that the much-anticipated tabletop strategy game Kingmaker: The Royal Re-Launch will be released in Canada on April 24, 2023, exclusively distributed by Lion Rampant (LRI).

First launched in 1974, Kingmaker simulates The War of the Roses, a period of sporadic Civil War in England between 1450 and 1490. Invented by the late Andrew McNeil, the game is based on the premise that powerful noble families used the Lancastrian and Yorkist princes as pawns in a bid to gain control of the kingdom. In the game, players maneuver nobles, who represent the leaders of 24 major English and Welsh families to gain control, while working to defeat other claimants to the throne. Although Kingmaker has been beloved for decades, the original game had some shortcomings. With the Royal Re-Launch, Gibsons worked with Kingmaker expert Alan Paull, from Surprise Stare Games, to help develop and redesign this improved version, based on fan requests. Kingmaker will now comprise four games in one, including an extended adaptation of the classic. All four versions feature physical changes that improve playability.

“We are beyond excited to relaunch this epic game, especially as it has retained its popularity over the last 45 years,” says Samantha Goodburn, marketing manager for Gibsons Games. “Fans have asked us countless times for a redesign, so our aim is to improve the original version and streamline the gameplay of this much-loved classic.”

“We are very proud to represent Gibsons and facilitate the exciting relaunch of this fan favourite,” said Ryan Lumax, Head of Purchasing at Lion Rampant Imports. “Gibsons is a partner who puts care, enthusiasm, and a commitment to quality into every puzzle and game they produce. We know that Canadian players are looking forward to the relaunch of Kingmaker, and we are honoured to be part of bringing it to shelves and homes across the country.”

LRI, as the exclusive distributor for Gibsons Games in Canada, is anticipating high demand in the Canadian marketplace for Kingmaker: The Royal Re-Launch, when it releases on April 24th. The Kickstarter campaign for the game was fully funded within 20 hours of launch. Kingmaker: The Royal Re-Launch is now available for pre-order through Lion Rampant Imports, ahead of its official release next month.

About Asmodee Canada and Lion Rampant Imports

Lion Rampant Imports is a full-service game distributor operating out of Brantford, Ontario, Canada. Lion Rampant was founded in 1992, acquired by Asmodee Canada, the Canadian business unit of Asmodee Group, in 2019, and has grown into Canada’s largest distributor of Hobby Adventure games. We also distribute a full range of family board games, educational games, strategy games, collectible and miniature games, dice paints and gaming accessories.

Together, with Asmodee Canada, we distribute over 12,000 product lines to nearly 1,500 customers across the country, ensuring that our customers are up to date with the latest and best in gaming. Our huge selection and efficient distribution network are the keys to our success and the value we provide to our customers.