Five Games for Doomsday Arnaud Charpentier
Nov 16, 2025
Arnaud Charpentier, head of Matagot and co-founder of the Independent Publishers Alliance, shares his journey from a card game-loving great-grandmother to leading a prominent board game publisher. He discusses the significance of storytelling in gaming, highlighting favorites like 'Twilight Struggle' and 'Pandemic.' Arnaud also reflects on the evolution of the French board game scene and the importance of accessible design. Expect insights on the future of Matagot and the collaborative spirit of the gaming industry that he champions.
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Early Influence Of Great-Grandmother
- Arnaud credits his great-grandmother Suzanne for introducing him to card games and keeping him engaged by letting him win.
- That early exposure shaped his lifelong fondness for team card games and influenced Matagot's catalog.
Live RPG Radio Experiments
- In his 20s Arnaud co-hosted a live RPG radio show where listeners called in and played NPCs.
- The experiments were unique, unpredictable and left lasting fond memories of collaborative play.
Twilight Struggle's Enduring Appeal
- Arnaud calls Twilight Struggle his favourite and praises its blend of gameplay and historical narrative.
- He says the game's card-driven tension and investment create deep, repeatable experiences.
