Wizards of the Coast Sees Success with Baldur's Gate 3 and Monopoly Go

The year 2023 began on a challenging note for Wizards of the Coast, but the company's fortunes have since shifted dramatically. The launch of Baldur's Gate 3 has garnered widespread critical acclaim, while the partnership with Scopely for Monopoly Go has yielded a top-grossing mobile game, outperforming major titles like Roblox and Candy Crush Saga in US consumer spending. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro Gaming president Cynthia Williams and head of digital games Tim Fields expressed satisfaction with these developments. When asked about the commercial success of Baldur's Gate 3, Williams responded positively, stating that the game's performance has pleased both the company and its fans. Fields attributed the game's success to the expertise of Larian Studios, a partner that has demonstrated exceptional skill in building deep RPGs and CRPGs. The company's strategy involves collaborating with top external studios to create high-quality games, as seen in the partnerships with Larian and Scopely. This approach prioritizes quality over quantity, recognizing the importance of delivering exceptional gaming experiences to engage players worldwide. Williams and Fields emphasized their interest in working with other talented partners who have innovative ideas for games that could benefit from representation of beloved Hasbro brands. The company has also been expanding its internal studio system, with a focus on creating a diverse range of games that cater to different genres and platforms. While established IP remains a significant focus, Wizards of the Coast is also exploring original IP, such as a multiplatform sci-fi RPG currently in development at Archetype. The company's optimism about the gaming market is fueled by the growing number of gamers worldwide, expected to exceed four billion by 2040. Despite the current decline in global game revenues, Wizards of the Coast is committed to bringing high-quality games to players across various platforms, genres, and brands.