The Smurfs RPG has pushed through 900 backers and $100,000 with still a week on the Kickstarter clock!
The tabletop roleplaying game, set in the Smurfs Universe, lets you play a classic or create your own Smurf, and it uses Smurfs from the Hidden Village that you might not have met before.
In this interview, we talk to publisher Maestro Media‘s CEO, Javon Frazier. First, though, let’s see the pitch video.
There are over 40 different pre-genned Smurfs and options for your own Smurfhouse.
Backers who pledge $29 or more get the core rules in PDF and all digital stretch goals that get unlocked.
Stepping up to $49 gets supporters the hardcover core rules, plus the PDF and digital stretch goals.
There are box sets at $59, $129, and $199, and Papa Smurf’s impressive Collector tome is $249, which you cannot get outside Kickstarter.
Smurfwillow’s All-In Collector Set is still higher at $349, with standees, dice, a character sheet pack, and more. However, the top tier is $999 for Gargamel’s Exclusive All-in Mystery Set!
That mystery set, despite the $999, is halfway to being sold out and we’ve missed the introductory offer. However, there is a retailer tier, so your local gaming store might stock Smurfy RPGs in the future.
A Smurf RPG interview with Javon Frazier
How did Maestro Media secure the Smurf license in the first place?
Securing The Smurfs license was a combination of timing, vision, and shared goals with the brand’s owners. At Maestro Media, we pride ourselves on approaching licenses with a deep respect for their DNA and a focus on creating unique experiences that fans will genuinely appreciate. The Smurfs have such an iconic and enduring appeal, and we felt there was an opportunity to bring them into the tabletop space in a way that had never been done before. Peyo’s team saw that same potential in us, and the partnership naturally grew from there.
Why the leap to a tabletop roleplaying game from the Hidden Village board game?
After the success of Smurfs: Hidden Village, we knew fans were hungry for more ways to experience the world of The Smurfs. A tabletop roleplaying game felt like a perfect next step. While Hidden Village offers a collaborative and immersive board game experience, the RPG format allows players to dive even deeper into the brand’s universe, creating their own Smurf characters, exploring new adventures, and interacting with the brand on a more personal level. Kevin Borrup, the game designer, was instrumental in bringing this vision to life, finding ways to expand the Smurfs world in a way that would be fun, accessible, and engaging for both new players and seasoned RPG fans.
I learned from your Kickstarter that Smurfette isn’t the only female presenting Smurf! We also have Smurfilily, Smurfstorm, Smurfblossom and others from the movie Smurfs: The Lost Village. What do old school but out of date gamers like me need to know about the evolution of the Smurf storyline to properly assess the RPG and its Kickstarter?
The world of The Smurfs has expanded significantly, especially with the addition of The Lost Village, which introduced Smurfy Grove and several new female Smurf characters. This evolution allows us to create a more diverse and dynamic world in The Smurfs Roleplaying Game, giving players even more character options and story possibilities. As an “old-school” fan, you’ll find familiar elements, but you’ll also get a chance to experience how the Smurfs have evolved with the new generation. The RPG bridges the classic charm with these new developments, making it accessible for lifelong fans and newcomers alike.
Would Maestro Media have been as interested in the license if it hadn’t been for the success of The Lost Village animation?
The success of The Lost Village certainly reinforced the idea that The Smurfs have a place in modern pop culture and that they continue to resonate with audiences across generations. But even without it, The Smurfs have such a rich history and iconic status that we would have been keen to explore a project like this. The Lost Village simply opened the door wider for us to embrace the updated storyline and bring new characters and adventures to the forefront of the RPG experience.
Is the Smurf RPG a one-and-done or are you hoping to support the line with new sourcebooks and supplements beyond the books you’ve already announced?
We’re thrilled with the enthusiasm we’ve seen for The Smurfs Roleplaying Game, and there’s definitely a chance for future expansions if the community shows strong interest!
Thank you for having a retailer tier in the Kickstarter. Is the game heading to retail power-houses like DriveThruRPG/Roll20 and even Amazon?
Absolutely! We want The Smurfs Roleplaying Game to be accessible to as many people as possible, and that includes making it available through major retail channels like Amazon and retail stores. We’re exploring options for digital and physical distribution to ensure that fans can access the game wherever they prefer to shop. Our retailer tier is part of that strategy, helping game stores bring The Smurfs RPG to local communities and foster that sense of shared fun.
Which license do you wish you had because Maestro Media could make an absolutely amazing game with it?
There are so many iconic licenses out there, Disney and Marvel properties hold a special place for me personally because I spent many years working there and have a deep appreciation for the worlds and characters they’ve created. There’s a unique richness in those universes, filled with endless storytelling possibilities that would translate beautifully into tabletop experiences. We’re thrilled to have even more groundbreaking projects in the works, collaborating with some of the world’s most iconic IPs. Our goal is to keep surprising and delighting fans with games that capture the heart and soul of these iconic brands.
What’s next for Maestro Media?
We’re incredibly excited about what’s on the horizon for Maestro Media. Beyond expanding our portfolio of tabletop games with beloved IPs, we’re also setting our sights on the digital gaming world. We want to bring our immersive storytelling and engaging gameplay into the digital space, allowing us to reach even more fans in new, interactive ways. From digital adaptations of our tabletop games to other digital experiences, we’re exploring every avenue to enhance the way people connect with our games. Our aim is to seamlessly bridge the physical and digital realms, so fans can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Thank you to Javon! The Kickstarter is open until November 23rd, with the game due out mid-2025.
Quick Links
- Kickstarter: The Smurfs: Roleplaying Game.
Find out what Geek Native readers say about this in the comments below. You're welcome to add your own.
