An Interview With Thames and Kosmos UK

Have you ever wished that you could own 50+ board games? This week we sat down with someone who does, Nicky, who is the Board Game Editor and Marketing Manager for Thames and Kosmos UK!

Thames & Kosmos UK (originally Science Shop) was founded in 2009 by Stephen O’Connor and Joanna Drage, who recognised the need for new designs of quality science kits in the UK when buying toys for their children. In 2013, Kosmos — a 200 year old German company, purchased 80% of Thames and Kosmos UK, making it a subsidiary. Thames & Kosmos UK distribute English language Kosmos products globally, with the exception of North and South America.  

Nicky: My favourite game is The Adventures of Robin Hood. It has an introductory tutorial quest and keeps my whole family entertained. The gameboard is so innovative. It has flip over advent calendar like pieces that alter game play as your quest progresses. It also has a thick hardback book that contains the stories that go with your quest in a kind of choose your own adventure way. If you like your fantasy co-operative, this is a great game for you!

Nicky: I am most looking forward to the new Exit game Lord of the Rings: Shadows over Middle-Earth. I grew up in Birmingham and played in the same places that inspired many of Tolkiens tales. I’m a huge Exit game fan and love riddles so a mix of the two is catnip to me! Plus I’m obviously excited about the new Exit Advent Calendar. It’s been great fun to translate and edit and I expect it will sell out as quickly as last years calendar.

Nicky: We play through our new games in the office on Fridays so that everyone knows the basics of how they work. I also play the games as I am translating them so that I understand the nuances for the rulebook! I have also been known to play the odd non Kosmos game at home..shhh!

Nicky: I own about 50. Obviously we have the full Kosmos range and back catalogue in the office if I need to pick up extras! How many have I not played yet? I’ve not managed to get Legends of Andor to the table and I haven’t played the Imhotep expansions but otherwise I think I’ve got most of them under my belt.

Nicky: Thames and Kosmos UK staff attend Toy Fair, Spring Fair, AIS Show, UK Games Expo and Autumn fair regularly and sometimes we throw in another one if it looks interesting. I’d love to attend AireCon at some point. Obviously for me, the Games Expo is the big event of the season where we get to show off our new games to end users rather than trade and media. It’s always very exciting and there is such a buzz. Definitely one of my favourite weekends of the year!