Meet the New Codenames: The Game That Redefined Party Gaming Just Got a Relaunch

CGE is thrilled to announce the relaunch of Codenames, the international sensation that redefined party gaming, in celebration of its 10th anniversary. This refreshed edition marks the beginning of a new era for the popular game—one that honors its roots while pointing to a broader universe of Codenames yet to come. The new Codenames will be released on July 1, 2025, followed by Codenames: Duet in Q3 2025 and Codenames: Pictures in Q4 2025.

Since its debut in 2015, Codenames has bridged the gap between traditional party games and modern designer board games. With its clever blend of word association, deduction, and teamwork, it quickly became a global hit, selling over 16 million copies worldwide, winning the prestigious Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) in 2016, and being translated into 45+ languages.

What’s New in the Relaunched Codenames?

This isn’t just a reprint—it’s a thoughtfully updated version designed to delight longtime fans and welcome new ones:

Revamped Visuals: Featuring brand-new box art, updated word cards, vibrant key cards, and new agent illustrations, this edition brings a fresh and modern visual identity to the table.

Improved Packaging: Includes an eco-friendly game insert. The card stand is made of RE-Wood®, a durable recycled material.

Smarter Word Selection: Using data from Codenames Online, CGE has curated a tighter, more satisfying set of words, carefully chosen for better gameplay.

Streamlined Rulebook: The rulebook has been shortened and simplified, making it easier than ever to learn and teach.

What Is Codenames?

In Codenames, players split into two teams and take turns trying to locate their field agents based on one-word clues given by their team’s Spymaster. The challenge lies in making the right connection—and avoiding the deadly assassin. Unlike many party games that rely on humor or physical antics, Codenames stands out with its intellectual edge, focusing on word association, deduction, and teamwork.

The Codenames Universe

Codenames’ universal mechanics have made it a cross-cultural favorite. In 2022, CGE released a bilingual Czech–Ukrainian version to support Ukrainian refugees and their communities—a testament to the game’s power to connect and educate.

The game’s success has spawned numerous spin-offs, including Codenames: Pictures, Codenames: Duet, and themed editions featuring Marvel, Disney, Harry Potter, The Simpsons, and Blizzard. The brand has also expanded into digital formats, with the free browser-based Codenames Online and a premium Codenames App packed with exclusive content.

The 10th anniversary relaunch opens an exciting new chapter in the story of Codenames.

About CGE

CGE is a group of game enthusiasts with a mission to bring our passion for board games to people around the world. We value laughter, depth, surprise, and ingenuity — and the titles we publish reflect this vision for delivering innovative and fun new gaming experiences to your table.

Founded in 2007, CGE has published more than 50 games and expansions, including Codenames, SETI, Galaxy Trucker, Pictomania, Letter Jam, the Lost Ruins of Arnak, and many more. Our games have been translated into over 45 different languages and are manufactured to our high standards in the Czech Republic.

About Codenames

First released in 2015, Codenames is a popular, award-winning word-association party game that has sold over 16 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 45+ languages. In the years since, the Codenames franchise has expanded to include Codenames: Duet, Codenames: Pictures, XXL versions of all three games, as well as digital versions in the free Codenames Online platform and the new Codenames App for mobile devices.