WotC president expresses interest in developing a new Dungeons & Dragons MMO, noting the need for it to adapt to modern online game conventions.
In a significant move for the world of tabletop gaming, Wizards of the Coast (WotC) has announced some major changes in its Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) development strategy.
John Hight, who joined WotC as president and head of digital gaming in 2024, has emphasized the need for assembled talent, backend technology, and plans for a potential new D&D MMO. Hight's statement comes after Hasbro's decision to lay off the team that handled D&D licensing with Larian and the cancellation of at least five D&D games that were in the works.
Hight's vision for WotC involves building a central development team that can be deployed on different internal and external game projects. This team, known as the "Dungeons & Dragons Studio," will consist of a set of artists and designers trained up on D&D.
Lincoln Carpenter, who joined PC Gamer as a full-time News Writer in 2024, brings expertise in various games, including Caves of Qud, Crusader Kings, and Monster Hunter. Carpenter's insights and experience could prove valuable in the development of new D&D projects.
Meanwhile, Hasbro has been facing criticism for its handling of the D&D franchise. However, Hight has stated that WotC has been strengthening its processes for videogame development and aiming to insulate its development staff from the complexities of game development cycles.
Not all news is bleak, though. Dungeons & Dragons Online, originally developed by Turbine, and Cryptic Studios' Neverwinter are existing D&D MMOs that continue to thrive. In fact, DDO's latest expansion, The Chill of Ravenloft, launched on August 20.
Hight has expressed interest in a new D&D MMO, suggesting a need for updating the traditional MMO model. He believes that what makes games great is the talent behind them, and the new team at WotC seems poised to deliver just that.
With the formation of the Dungeons & Dragons Studio, WotC president John Hight says WotC is once again looking forward to new D&D projects. The future of D&D gaming seems to be in good hands, with a focus on quality, talent, and innovation.
Stay tuned for more updates as WotC continues to shape the future of Dungeons & Dragons.
