Wizards of the Coast Expands into Videogames: Plans to Release 1-2 Games Annually by 2025

Wizards of the Coast is making a significant push into the videogame industry. During Hasbro’s Q2 2024 earnings call, President and CEO Chris Cocks announced the company’s ambitious plans to release one to two games per year starting in late 2025 or early 2026. This initiative is backed by a substantial annual investment of approximately $125 million.

Strategic Leadership and Talent Acquisition

To spearhead this venture, Wizards of the Coast has brought on veteran executive John Hight, known for his work on major franchises like Warcraft, Hearthstone, God of War, and Command & Conquer. Hight’s expertise aligns perfectly with the company’s strategy to extend its mid-core and hard-core brands into the digital realm. Additionally, the company has bolstered its leadership team with industry veterans such as Ames Kirshen, who led the Batman: Arkham series, and James Ohlen, former Head of Creative Design at BioWare.

Financial Commitment and Development Goals

Wizards of the Coast is committed to becoming a leading digital play company, allocating about $250 million annually to its capital envelope, with half of that dedicated to digital games. The goal is to maintain a balanced approach, investing in both internal projects and partnerships. The company currently has 150 active or in-development projects, emphasizing its role as a publisher to guide and expand its franchises.

Recent Developments and Future Projects

Despite canceling five games last year, including two Dungeons & Dragons projects, Wizards of the Coast remains focused on its digital gaming strategy. The company owns several studios, including Archetype Entertainment, Skeleton Key, Atomic Arcade, and Invoke Studios, all working on high-profile projects. Notably, Invoke Studios is developing a new triple-A Dungeons & Dragons game powered by Unreal Engine 5.

Conclusion

Wizards of the Coast’s renewed focus on videogames marks a pivotal shift in its strategy, aiming to become a top publisher in the industry. With a robust financial plan and a talented leadership team, the company is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious goals and deliver exciting new games to its audience.