In March, we are proud to shine our Publisher’s Spotlight on our friends from Thames & Kosmos! This unique company is headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, and is the North American subsidary of Franckh-Kosmos Verlags-GmbH & Co. – Kosmos for short – which is based in Stuttgart, Germany.
The story of Thames & Kosmos began in 2001 when a small science center and toy store called Thames Science Center, located in Newport, RI partnered with Kosmos from Germany to create amazing science kits for the U.S. market. The mission of the newly formed partnership was to improve informal science education outside of the classroom by publishing high quality science kits for children of all ages. T&K’s mission has since expanded from its STEM roots to encompass other educational branches, including arts, crafts, and the variety of thinking and social skills that can be taught through games.
In 2015, Thames & Kosmos expanded upon its goal to inspire hands-on learning experiences by introducing a curated selection of German-style board games from the prestigious Kosmos line. The first year saw the release of six board games to the U.S. market. By the end of 2018, the company will have released over 45 titles!
Working with highly-esteemed authors and designers allows Kosmos to develop games that are not only fun, enchanting, and addictive, but also beneficial and wholesome in many ways. These games aim to build social skills, stimulate logical and strategic thinking, encourage family time, and inspire fair mindedness, confidence, and honorable attitudes.
Today, Thames & Kosmos is known for their high quality, addictive board games as well as their educational products. In particular, the company has become known for their EXIT: The Game series. The series is a go to for people who want to experience an at home escape room game, and has been very well received by fans – being named the winner of the 2017 Kennerspeil de Jahres.
Be sure to ask your game master for their favorite title from Thames & Kosmos the next time you visit the Malted Meeple!
Karington Hess is a lifelong gamer whose passions for hospitality and all things game-related led him to Ravenwood Castle, where he served as an Innkeeper before joining The Malted Meeple. When not pouring beers, crafting milkshakes, or teaching boardgames, Karington can be found behind the DM’s screen, weaving intricate stories for his fellow gamers.