The UK-based Wyld Group, the parent company of the tabletop retail giant Wayland Games, has acquired the German accessory manufacturer Kraken Wargames.
The move sees Kraken Wargames officially join the same corporate family that owns Wayland Games and the community media platform OnTableTop. Known for its high-quality neoprene gaming mats and the modular Black Racks hobby storage system, the Essen-based company will continue to manufacture its products in-house at its European facility. For UK hobbyists, the immediate benefit of the acquisition is expected to be significantly improved product availability and closer integration between the German design team and British distribution.
Manufacturing and Modular Hobby Storage
Kraken Wargames has built a strong reputation within the wargaming and board game communities by focusing on premium aesthetics and durability. Their gaming mats, often praised for their vibrant colours and liquid-repellent surfaces, are staple sights at European conventions like Spiel Essen.
The company also produces the Black Racks system, a series of modular workspace organisers designed for miniature painters. Unlike many MDF hobby racks that require glue and nails, Black Racks use a tool-free plug-in system for easy expansion. This focus on “community-driven development” was highlighted in the announcement as a primary reason for the merger.
Tobias Dröschel, the founder of Kraken Wargames, was praised in the press release:
His focus on thoughtful product design, efficient manufacturing and community-driven development has helped Kraken grow into a respected brand with a loyal following across Europe and beyond.”
Expanding the Wyld Group Portfolio
This acquisition is the latest in a series of strategic moves by the Wyld Group to consolidate its position in the tabletop industry. In 2020, Geek Native reported that the group had acquired OnTableTop (formerly Beasts of War), effectively bridging the gap between hobby media and retail. By adding a dedicated manufacturing arm like Kraken Wargames, the group now controls a significant portion of the tabletop lifecycle, from product creation and community engagement to retail and distribution.2
While Kraken Wargames will remain based in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, the Wyld Group has indicated that joint projects and new product developments are already in the pipeline. For those looking to upgrade their gaming tables or organise their painting stations, the full range of Kraken Wargames accessories is now more accessible than ever through the Wayland Games storefront.
