Last year brought an intriguing piece of news for gaming enthusiasts: the classic tabletop RPG, Dungeons & Dragons, is set to venture into the realm of virtual reality, a collaboration between Wizards of the Coast and Resolution Games.
Up until now, details have been scarce, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. But on Wednesday, the shroud was lifted as both companies shared the official title, Battlemarked, alongside more insights into this VR adaptation of D&D.
Battlemarked takes advantage of Resolution Games’ Demeo system, which already offers a virtual tabletop experience with D&D-like turn-based combat and a card-based action point system. This new game aims to bring all of that under the D&D umbrella for a more authentic experience.
Interestingly, Battlemarked marks the first collaboration between Wizards of the Coast and Resolution Games. The goal is to give players a touch of D&D’s essence while stripping away the need for a Dungeon Master. Instead, players will focus primarily on strategy and tactical decisions rather than traditional roleplaying.
Upon release, Battlemarked will offer two story-driven campaigns designed for teams of up to four players. It will be accessible across various platforms, including VR, PC, and consoles. While a detailed list of compatible devices hasn’t been disclosed, it’s likely Battlemarked will follow in the footsteps of Demeo, which is available on devices like Meta Quest, Pico, SteamVR, PlayStation VR2, PlayStation 5, PC, Mac, and iPad.
To add to the excitement, a new trailer was also unveiled. Fans will appreciate the recognizable art style from Wizards of the Coast, along with glimpses of playable classes and races, such as the Dragonborn fighter and Tiefling rogue.
Despite these announcements, some mysteries remain, including the game’s release date and pricing. The specifics of the campaigns are also under wraps, although Resolution Games has teased plans for future campaigns set in various D&D universes. As of now, they’ve decided to keep mum on further specifics.
Stockholm-based Resolution Games, a name in the industry for about ten years now, boasts an impressive portfolio that includes titles like Angry Birds: Isle of Pigs, Cook-Out: A Sandwich Tale, and Spatial Ops. The company has reportedly secured about $38.6 million in funding, per PitchBook data.
This unveiling is yet another testament to Dungeons & Dragons’ growing popularity. It’s evolving into a multifaceted franchise, with successful web series like Critical Role and Dimension 20, acclaimed video games such as Baldur’s Gate 3 by Larian Studios, and the cinematic venture, “Honor Among Thieves,” broadening its appeal.
