EXCLUSIVE: Let Sea Battle commence. TF1 has ordered a new primetime gameshow based on a classic ship-sinking strategy game. The naval battle is transported to a large studio in the show for the French broadcaster.
Teams will answer general knowledge questions to earn shots at their rivals’ boats, which are represented by human contestants on a massive set. The more boats sunk, the bigger the cash prize.
The producers said the Sea Battle format was inspired by the ‘Bataille Navale’ board game. In turn, that is based upon the classic pen-and-paper strategy game in which players place their fleet of ships on a grid of paper that their opponent cannot see and then take turns trying to locate and sink each other’s vessels.
The TV format was created by Moe Bennani, former Talpa exec and Co-Founder of Dreamspark, the France-based formats outfit. It will co-produce the show with Arthur Essebag’s indie Satisfaction Group.
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“Sea Battle is the perfect blend of strategy, suspense, and pure entertainment—bringing the thrill of the classic board game to life like never before,” said Essebag, who will host the show. “With high stakes, dynamic gameplay, and a spectacular set, audiences are in for an unforgettable experience.”
The pen-and-paper game is thought to have originated in France around the time of World War I and numerous board games have been marketed since based on the concept. Dreamspark has secured rights to the ‘Bataille Navale’ name in France.
Milton Bradley (since acquired by Hasbro) launched a version of the game in the 1960s — ‘Battleship’ — with plastic pegs that became popular in the U.S. and elsewhere. It spawned a 2012 movie as well as videogames and other merch.
France’s TF1 is one of Europe’s largest broadcasters and its order for Sea Battle will bring it to the attention of other buyers. Dreamspark is now launching the format internationally.
TF1 and has been pushing deeper into quiz and entertainment shows that have a “gamification” element as Julien Degroote, EVP Content Development, explained during a MIP London session hosted by Deadline last month.
He said this show fits that trend: “It’s a game universally known to all generations. The adaptation into a TV format is visually impressive in its set-up. Imagine an XXL version of the board game, several meters high. And the gameplay is highly interactive, allowing viewers to play-along a lot at home too.”
Bennani added: “We wanted to create a show that brings families together around a game they already love but with a fresh and thrilling twist. With Sea Battle, we’ve elevated the classic board game into a compelling TV experience filled with suspense, strategy, and excitement.”