Wizards of the Coast Allegedly Axes Multiple Games

Initial report, January 4, 2023: According to recent reports, Wizards of the Coast has cancelled a minimum of five video game projects, resulting in a series of layoffs. A spokesperson for Wizards of the Coast stated that the company remains dedicated to digital gaming but has made adjustments to its long-term strategy, focusing on projects that align with its existing brands and demonstrate potential for growth or audience engagement. The spokesperson added that fewer than 15 employees will be laid off, with the option to apply for other positions within the company. The affected games are believed to include an in-house project codenamed Jabberwocky and four externally developed titles, featuring collaborations with Otherside Entertainment and Hidden Path Entertainment. Bloomberg's Jason Schreier clarified via Twitter that the cancelled projects were all unannounced. In response to a request for comment, GamesIndustry.biz received the same statement from Wizards of the Coast. Notably, the company released Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance in 2021 to mixed reviews. At the time, former president Chris Cocks emphasized the importance of video games to the future of Dungeons & Dragons. Update, January 6, 2023: Hidden Path has since tweeted that its 'epic D&D project' with Wizards remains in development and has not been cancelled. However, Jason Schreier stands by his reporting, citing confirmation from both a source and a Wizards of the Coast spokesperson that Hidden Path's D&D game is indeed cancelled. GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Wizards of the Coast for further clarification.