Exploring New Frontiers: Wizards of the Coast Expands Dungeons & Dragons Beyond RPGs
A year after the release of Baldur's Gate 3, Hasbro and its subsidiary Wizards of the Coast are doubling down on video games, with the company believing its extensive IP can thrive in almost any genre. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz at Gamescom, Eugene Evans stated that while Larian Studios' RPG has been a significant boost, the company is looking to explore Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering beyond AAA games. Evans mentioned that the company has several AAA games in development, including partnerships with Starbreeze and Gameloft, and hinted at potential new directions for the IPs. He cited Magic: The Gathering Arena as an example of the company's digital endeavors, as well as collaborations with established games like Destiny 2 and Dead By Daylight. With 80 live games and active contracts, and 40 more in development, Hasbro is poised to release a slew of new titles over the next two to three years, including 18 in 2024. The company's goal is to become a digital play company, with a focus on bringing its vast IP portfolio to various game genres, from mobile games like Monopoly Go to larger PC and console titles. Evans noted that the company's success with Baldur's Gate 3 and Monopoly Go has led to a surge in developer interest, with many seeking to leverage Hasbro's IP to mitigate risk and create successful games.