Wizards of the Coast and Resolution Games have joined forces to introduce Dungeons & Dragons into the realm of virtual reality.
The classic tabletop roleplaying game has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with the rise of third-party content creators like Critical Role and Dimension 20, as well as the success of Hollywood film adaptations and video games such as Baldur’s Gate III, which is based on the Dungeons & Dragons IP.
Resolution Games is best known for its game Demeo, which digitally recreates the tabletop gaming experience, offering compatibility with VR headsets like Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro, as well as regular platforms like the iPad.
The specifics of the collaboration are not yet clear. It’s uncertain whether Wizards is solely licensing the IP or if they are working closely with Resolution Games. Nonetheless, this move aligns with Wizards’ ongoing efforts to expand the Dungeons & Dragons franchise into digital media. The nature of the virtual reality experience is also not fully disclosed, with questions arising around whether it will be a platform for multiplayer D&D sessions or a standalone story game similar to the “Honor Among Thieves” film. Teasers for Demeo suggest that players will physically manipulate virtual cards and miniatures using hand-tracking in VR, indicating a focus on creating a virtual tabletop experience rather than a single-player narrative game.
While platforms like Foundry and Roll20 have enabled individuals to engage in remote D&D sessions, and Baldur’s Gate has enjoyed considerable success, the prospect of casting spells and battling foes in VR raises practical considerations. D&D sessions typically span two to three hours or longer, and even the most dedicated players may find it challenging to wear a VR headset for the entire duration of a session.
The announcement comes in the wake of significant layoffs at Hasbro, Wizards’ parent company. In the division overseeing Wizards and digital gaming, revenue has surged by 40% year over year to $423.6 million, resulting in a $203.4 million operating profit. However, Hasbro’s overall revenue has declined by 10%, leading to layoffs across the company, including the Wizards department.
