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Thunderbirds Tabletop Game in the works from Modiphius Entertainment

By John Freeman on June 4, 2014 • ( 1 )

Game publishers Modiphius Entertainment, who recently took over the running of the long-running DragonMeet convention, have just announced a licensing deal with ITV Studios Global Entertainment to develop a co-operative tabletop board game based on the classic 1960s’ television series Thunderbirds, designed by Matt Leacock.

As most of our readers already know, Thunderbirds, set in 2065 and created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, follows the exploits of International Rescue: a secret organisation committed to saving human life, secretly founded and funded by the millionaire Tracy family. International Rescue has a host of technologically advanced land-, sea-, air-, and space-rescue vehicles and equipment ready to launch at a moment’s notice.

To bring the ultimate Thunderbirds experience to the tabletop, Modiphius has partnered with Matt “Brains” Leacock, designer of the hit games Pandemic, Forbidden Desert, and Forbidden Island.

“I’ve had a great time immersing myself in the world of Thunderbirds, learning all about the Tracy family, Lady Penelope, and all their wonderful gear,” said Matt Leacock.

“This game will give players the chance to see how they would perform in the role of the Tracys. Will they be able to anticipate global disasters and complete impossible rescue missions? This game will test each player’s nerve, logistical sense, and mettle. It’ll tell you if you could be a Tracy!”

Planned for release in Autumn 2015 to tie in with the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the cult TV show, the game will feature the iconic Thunderbirds machines and a high octane world full of disasters for players to come to the rescue. The Thunderbirds co-operative game will have the usual high quality design and components that fans of games produced by Matt Leacock and Modiphius have come to expect.

“Thunderbirds has always been the geek dad brand of choice as people introduce models of Thunderbird 2 or the original TV show to their kids,” said Chris Birch, Publishing Director of Modiphius.”From collecting the models and avidly watching the shows as a kid, it has been a dream of mine to create an awesome game with Thunderbirds. With Matt Leacock on board, I know we’ll be able to create the ideal co-operative gaming experience for whole families to enjoy the Tracys’ world. F-A-B!”

• For more information on the forthcoming release, please reply to this mail or sign up at www.modiphius.com/thunderbirds.html to be the first to hear of news of how you can join International Rescue!

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.