This Czech game has outsold Kingdom Come, and turns 10 with a new edition

The Czech video game Kingdom Come: Deliverance has become a worldwide smash, with the original 2018 game selling north of 10 million copies, and its sequel, released earlier this year, already topping 3 million units sold. But a Czech tabletop game released in 2015 has seen even more success.

Codenames, created by designer Vláďa Chvátil and published by Czech Games Edition (CGE), has sold over 16 million copies worldwide over the past 10 years. The party game, known for its clever wordplay and teamwork, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this summer with a new updated version.

The new edition, which includes updated artwork, a refined word list, and eco-friendly packaging, is set to launch in July. The 10th-anniversary edition aims to honor the game’s legacy while offering a polished and modernized experience for players new and old.

Codenames’ simple yet challenging gameplay has made it a global favorite among board game enthusiasts. The game splits players into two teams, with each side trying to guess the correct words on a grid using one-word clues provided by a spymaster. The fun—and the challenge—comes from trying to link seemingly unrelated words.

This elegant mechanic has helped Codenames achieve international acclaim, including winning the coveted Spiel des Jahres award, nicknamed the 'Oscar' of board games, in 2016. Its success also extends to special editions like Codenames: Duet for two players and Codenames: Pictures, which uses images instead of words.

Since its release in 2015, the game has been translated into 45 languages and expanded into various themed editions, from Disney to Marvel. The game’s global reach has led to over 16 million copies sold, making it one of the most successful Czech games in history.

Beyond the table, Codenames has embraced digital formats, including a mobile app and an online version, which saw a surge in popularity during the pandemic. The game’s data from these platforms informed the new edition’s word selection, ensuring a more balanced and enjoyable experience.

The upcoming 10th-anniversary edition of Codenames isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade. According to CGE, the redesign reflects years of player feedback and data from Codenames Online.

The updated package includes revamped artwork across the box, cards, and characters, aiming for a cleaner and more modern aesthetic. The word list has been carefully refined for smoother gameplay, with tweaks inspired by the game’s digital version.

Sustainability also played a role in the redesign, with CGE introducing an eco-friendly game insert and a card stand made of RE-Wood, a durable recycled material. The rulebook has been streamlined as well, making it shorter and easier to learn, addressing a common request from players.

CGE plans to expand the Codenames universe even further, with new editions of Codenames: Duet and Codenames: Pictures also set for release later this year. The company also teased a refreshed Codenames Companion app with new visuals, expected to launch soon.