UPDATE 2/1/2024: A Wizard spokesperson released this statement to Game ZXC
"We regularly talk to Tencent and enjoy multiple partnerships with them across a number of our IPs. We don’t make a habit of commenting on internet rumors, but to be clear: we are not looking to sell our D&D IP. We will keep talking to partners about how we bring the best digital experiences to our fans. We won't comment any further on speculation or rumors about potential M&A or licensing deals."
Original story follows.
New reports are suggesting that Chinese media conglomerate Tencent may be looking to purchase iconic tabletop role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons from Hasbro. The role-playing game developed by Wizards of the Coast has long been one of the most recognizable brands in tabletop gaming, with multiple iterations on the classic RPG formula. The property has also inspired a wide library of video games, including critically-acclaimed games like 2023's Baldur's Gate 3 among others. Now, a Chinese gaming juggernaut may be looking to buy in on the role-playing game.
As one of China's most recognizable gaming brands, Tencent has already wedged its way into the gaming industry with several of the most popular brands. League of Legends developer Riot Games became a subsidiary of Tencent in 2015, finishing a purchase that saw the Chinese company acquire a 93% stake in the Santa Monica-based developer in 2011. Tencent also owns developer TiMi Studio, most recognized for developing Call of Duty: Mobile and Pokemon Unite. Now, Tencent reportedly wants to buy one of gaming's most iconic brands in Dungeons and Dragons.
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As reported by ComicBook, a recent report from Chinese media site Speed Daily reveals that Tencent is interested in purchasing the Dungeons and Dragons brand from Hasbro. According to the report, Hasbro was initially in contact with Baldur's Gate 3 developer Larian Studios about buying the rights to the IP, with Larian reportedly lacking funds for the purchase. Larian would re-direct Hasbro to Tencent, who is an investor in the Baldur's Gate studio. The report does not make clear whether Tencent is looking to purchase the brand as a whole or secure the exclusive rights to create Dungeons and Dragons games.
Tencent's interest in purchasing Dungeons and Dragons follows major changes hitting the Chinese gaming market with a recently introduced policy. China rolled out new gaming laws last month placing several limits on microtransactions within games, including banning games from offering extra incentives to first-time spenders. The laws would also address several other practices commonly used by free-to-play games, including the removal of daily reward systems and rewards for consecutive purchases.
A potential sale of Dungeons and Dragons comes as the game has seen major notoriety throughout recent years. Alongside the previously mentioned Baldur's Gate 3, 2023 saw the premiere of Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, which grossed over $200 million worldwide in theaters. Wizards of the Coast is also gearing up to debut the newest iteration of the core game, with One D&D expected to release later this year. Dungeons and Dragons has been riding high throughout recent years and Tencent may now be looking to join in on its success.
Dungeons and Dragons
Created by Gary Gygax, Dungeons & Dragons is a tabletop game in which players craft their own worlds and band together to take on adventures through mysterious realms outlined in companion materials. One of the best role-playing games ever made, it has been adapted into a variety of video games and other media.
- Franchise
- Dungeons & Dragons
- Original Release Date
- 1974-00-00
- Publisher
- Wizards of the Coast
- Designer
- E. Gary Gygax , Dave Arneson
