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D&D Maps virtual tabletop will become "a simplified, streamlined version of what we wanted to do for…
Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks revealed that Dungeons & Dragons Maps will be a simplified, 2D, browser-based version of the ambitious virtual tabletop Sigil. Sigil was canceled after its early access launch due to high system requirements and development team layoffs. The new Maps product aims to retain Sigil's immersive map experience with customization options for avatars and interactive stickers, running on lower-end hardware like iPads and PCs.
"It's been a while since Mass Effect 2 and 3" – Hasbro boss says "there's a big need in the marketplace" for a BioWare-esque space RPG and Exodus is ready to fill it
Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks believes their upcoming space RPG, Exodus, will fill a market gap left since games like Mass Effect 2 and 3. He stated that the game, which is described as 'D&D in space,' is designed to capture the essence of character-driven, multi-faceted narratives that have been missing from the genre. Cocks expressed confidence in the project's development, with a planned release in 2027.
Star Wars Jedi Veteran's Dungeons & Dragons Game Has Been Canceled
Wizards of the Coast, in partnership with Giant Skull studio founded by Stig Asmussen, has canceled an upcoming single-player action-adventure game set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe. Hasbro confirmed the project's cancellation, though stated they still value their relationship with Giant Skull and are open to future pitches. This decision comes after significant investment in AAA game development following the success of Baldur's Gate 3.
Star Wars Jedi Veteran's Dungeons & Dragons Game Has Been Canceled
Wizards of the Coast, in partnership with Giant Skull studio founded by Stig Asmussen, has canceled an upcoming single-player action-adventure game set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe. Hasbro confirmed the project's cancellation, though stated they still value their relationship with Giant Skull and are open to future pitches. This decision comes after significant investment in AAA game development following the success of Baldur's Gate 3.
Cthulhu Returns to MONOPOLY in Marmalade’s Second Wave of Support for the Whale and Dolphin Conservation
Marmalade Game Studio has partnered with Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) for the release of the WDC Ocean Legends bundle for MONOPOLY. The bundle includes new tokens and 20% of sales will be donated to WDC. This follows a successful similar bundle released last year.
'It nearly killed me': Why studio head James Ohlen left sci-fi RPG Exodus mid-development—and why EA crushing his Star Wars: The Old Republic reboot was the 'beginning of the end' at BioWare
James Ohlen, a veteran designer behind Baldur's Gate 2 and Knights of the Old Republic, discusses his departure from Archetype Entertainment's RPG Exodus, citing the immense pressure of studio leadership. He also reflects on his time at BioWare, detailing how EA's rejection of his Star Wars: The New Republic reboot plan marked the 'beginning of the end' for his career there.
Hasbro CEO says "you should expect more" crossovers for D&D
Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks has indicated that fans of Dungeons & Dragons should anticipate more crossover collaborations in the future. While specific details remain scarce, the company is exploring ways to integrate its intellectual properties, potentially including a 'D&D in space' concept, though fan reception to previous crossovers like Magic: The Gathering's Universes Beyond has been mixed.
Mass Effect hasn't been great in "a long time," but "D&D in space" RPG Exodus can fill the gap according to Hasbro's CEO
Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks believes the upcoming sci-fi RPG Exodus, developed by former BioWare staff, can fill the void left by the Mass Effect series' perceived decline. He describes Exodus as "D&D in space" and highlights the pedigree of its development team. The article notes the long wait for a high-quality Mass Effect title since Mass Effect 2.
"Our players are going to be pretty psyched": Hasbro CEO talks D&D, video games, and playing to win
Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks discusses the company's strategy for its intellectual properties, particularly Dungeons & Dragons, emphasizing a 'Playing to Win' approach that focuses on innovative experiences and engaging adult fans. Cocks highlights the success of Baldur's Gate 3 as an example of adapting D&D for digital platforms and expresses excitement for upcoming digital titles like Exodus, a 'D&D in space' inspired RPG.
GamesStop wants eBay, Nintendo confirms Switch 2 price hike, and union boss says EA buyout is a national security risk - Patch Notes #51
This week's gaming news roundup covers GameStop's $55.5 billion takeover bid for eBay, Nintendo's confirmation of price hikes for the Nintendo Switch 2, and concerns raised by a union boss regarding the potential Saudi Arabian buyout of Electronic Arts, citing national security risks. The article also touches on internal leadership changes at Xbox, layoffs at 2K, and the rebranding of CCP Games.
Business and Finance
MindsEye, the studio behind the game rated as the worst for 2025, has been affected by new mass layoffs. Separately, Wizards of the Coast and its parent company Hasbro missed a deadline to voluntarily recognize a workers' union.
Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro miss deadline to voluntarily recognise workers' union
Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro missed the May 1 deadline to voluntarily recognize the union formed by Magic: The Gathering Arena developers, UWOTC-CWA. The union expressed disappointment but remains committed to collective bargaining, citing concerns about layoffs, remote work, AI, and transparency. They are urging continued player support until an election petition filed with the National Labor Relations Board is resolved.
"They responded only to the press": Wizards of the Coast miss deadline for recognising Magic: The Gathering Arena union
Wizards of the Coast has missed a deadline to voluntarily recognize the union formed by Magic: The Gathering Arena developers. The union, United Wizards of the Coast—CWA, claims management has only responded to press inquiries and is now awaiting a National Labor Relations Board petition. The union aims to address issues like layoffs, return-to-office mandates, and generative AI adoption.
Wizards of the Coast declines to voluntarily recognize game worker union
Wizards of the Coast and its parent company Hasbro have declined to voluntarily recognize the United Wizards of the Coast—CWA union, despite a request from employees by May 1, 2026. The union, seeking increased staff wellbeing through layoff protections and generative AI guardrails, plans to proceed with a National Labor Relations Board election.
Here's how Star Wars action figures and collectibles get made, according to the experts
Hasbro Pulse manager of product design Chris Reiff details the complex process of creating Star Wars action figures and collectibles. The process involves extensive planning, sculpting, engineering, deco planning, and production, with input from various teams and partners like Lucasfilm to ensure high standards for the beloved franchise.
These are the Nerf blasters ruling gardens this summer
This guide recommends the best Nerf blasters for summer outdoor play, catering to different age groups and needs. It highlights top picks like the Nerf N-Series Ward for affordability and accuracy, and the Nerf N-Series Infinite for its large dart capacity. The article also briefly mentions other models and related toy guides.
Ultimate Grogu Is The Closest You Can Get To Owning The Real Thing
Hasbro has released the Ultimate Grogu, a life-size animatronic collectible figure based on the character from The Mandalorian. The figure features over 250 interactive movements and sounds and comes with accessories like Grogu's cookie and a Grav Charge. It is available for preorder for $600 and will launch on April 1, 2027. The article also mentions other Star Wars merchandise, including Lego sets and Loungefly bags.
Star Wars fans are going nuts for this new Grogu animatronic, but not its price
Hasbro Pulse has unveiled a highly realistic, 1:1 scale animatronic Grogu collectible featuring over 250 animations and sound effects. While praised for its lifelike design and advanced technology, the $599.99 price tag has drawn mixed reactions from fans, with some finding it prohibitively expensive compared to other high-end collectibles.
Amazon pilots playable game demos on Twitch
Amazon is testing a new feature on Twitch that allows users to play game demos directly through the streaming platform without downloading them. The test involved a 20-minute demo of Tarsier Studios' Reanimal, utilizing cloud-based streaming technology. Separately, developers at Wizards of the Coast, a subsidiary of Hasbro, have announced plans to unionize with the Communications Workers of America, citing concerns over layoffs, remote work, and transparency.
Magic: The Gathering Arena devs announce plans to unionise
A supermajority of Magic: The Gathering Arena developers at Wizards of the Coast, a subsidiary of Hasbro, have announced plans to unionize with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). This marks the first known unionization effort at Wizards of the Coast, driven by concerns over layoffs, remote work policies, and mandatory crunch. The workers are seeking protections against layoffs, safeguards for generative AI, and increased transparency and equity.
