Wizards of the Coast reportedly cancels "at least" five games
Update: Hidden Path has clarified that its "epic D&D project with Wizards" is still in development, Bloomberg stands by its reporting that it's cancelled
Original story, January 4, 2023: Wizards of the Coast has reportedly cancelled "at least" five of its video game projects, leading to several layoffs.
A Wizards spokesperson, who talked to Bloomberg, said the company is still "committed to using digital games" but "made some changes to our long-term portfolio to focus on games which are strategically aligned with developing our existing brands and those which show promise in expanding or engaging our audience in new ways."
They added that "fewer than 15 people" will be made redundant as a result of the cancellations, though these employees will be given options to apply to other roles within Wizards.
Games believed to be affected include an internally developed title codenamed Jabberwocky, as well as four externally developed games – including ones by Otherside Entertainment and Hidden Path Entertainment.
On Twitter, Bloomberg's Jason Schreier clarified that the titles cancelled were all unannounced projects.
GamesIndustry.biz reached out for comment, and received the same statement as above.
The company released Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance in 2021, to mixed reviews.
At the time, we talked to former president Chris Cocks, who said that video games were "core to the future of Dungeons & Dragons."
Update, January 6, 2023: In a tweet, Hidden Path has clarified that its "epic D&D project with Wizards" is still in development, and has not been cancelled.
Schreier replied by saying he stands by his reporting and added that "both a source and a Wizards of the Coast spokesperson told Bloomberg on Tuesday that Hidden Path's D&D game is cancelled."
GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Wizards of the Coast again for clarification.
Sign up for the GI Daily here to get the biggest news straight to your inbox