Wizards of the Coast Denies Dungeon & Dragons Sale Rumors to Tencent
Rumors from China suggest that Hasbro may be considering selling Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) to Tencent.
Is Hasbro selling Dungeons & Dragons to Chinese company Tencent?
Hasbro’s fantasy gaming division, Wizards of the Coast (WotC), has recently dismissed rumors of a potential sale of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) to Chinese tech giant Tencent. The speculation arose from a translation of China’s financial news site Speed Daily, which reported preliminary contact between the two parties.
Setting the Record Straight
WotC, responsible for the D&D license and the highly successful Baldur’s Gate 3 video game set in the D&D universe, refuted the rumors. They clarified that while they have partnered with Tencent in the past, they are not currently looking to sell the D&D intellectual property.
In a statement to Dicebreaker, WotC stated, “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.”
The Tencent Connection
While Tencent’s subsidiary, Tencent Interactive Entertainment Group (IEG), has been acquiring various IPs, including D&D, through its global business, it does not own Baldur’s Gate or Larian Studios, the makers of the game. Larian Studios is privately owned, with Tencent holding only a 30% stake in the company.
The collaboration between WotC and Tencent has previously brought Magic: The Gathering Arena to several Asian countries, signaling a successful partnership between the two companies.
Wizards and 2023
Wizards of the Coast, along with parent company Hasbro, announced a remarkable 20% growth in 2023. The success of titles like the award-winning Baldur’s Gate 3 played a significant role in this achievement.
However, not everything was smooth sailing for Hasbro in 2023. The toy-maker faced mass layoffs, with a substantial number of the 2,000 job cuts occurring at Wizards of the Coast. It is ironic that the division responsible for record profits was also subject to significant staff reductions.
Meanwhile, at the top level of Hasbro, executives received generous compensation packages. Former WotC head and current Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks alone earned nearly 10 million dollars.
The Future of Dungeons & Dragons
As the rumors about a potential sale of D&D to Tencent have been debunked, the future of the iconic tabletop role-playing game appears to be secure within the Wizards of the Coast portfolio. With the success of Baldur’s Gate 3 and the ongoing popularity of D&D, it is unlikely that Hasbro would want to part with such a valuable intellectual property.
Furthermore, the D&D community continues to grow, attracting new players and experiencing a resurgence in popularity. The release of new rulebooks, adventure modules, and digital tools, combined with the success of livestreamed D&D campaigns, has contributed to the game’s continued relevance and appeal.
In conclusion, while rumors may come and go, it’s essential to rely on official statements and credible sources when assessing the potential fate of beloved franchises like Dungeons & Dragons.
Q&A
- Q: Are there any plans for new editions or expansions for Dungeons & Dragons?
- A: Wizards of the Coast regularly releases new content for D&D, including new editions, sourcebooks, adventures, and digital tools. It’s safe to assume that they will continue to support and expand the game in the future.
- Q: Will Baldur’s Gate 3 be available on consoles?
- A: As of now, Baldur’s Gate 3 is only available on PC. However, there have been discussions about bringing the game to consoles, so it is a possibility for the future.
- Q: How has the pandemic affected the Dungeons & Dragons community?
- A: The pandemic has actually had a positive impact on the D&D community. With people spending more time at home, online D&D sessions have become increasingly popular, and many new players have discovered the game during this time.
References
- Hasbro’s Dungeons & Dragons Not For Sale
- Baldur’s Gate 3 – The Gaming Success Story of 2023
- The Partnership Between Wizards of the Coast and Tencent
- Record Growth of Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro in 2023
- Impact of COVID-19 on the Dungeons & Dragons Community
Author: Brian-Damien Morgan – Freelance Journalist
Award-winning journalist and features writer with expertise in technology, gaming, and legal topics.
LinkedIn: Brian-Damien Morgan
Image Source: Baldur’s Gate 3
Hey readers! Have you heard the rumors about Dungeons & Dragons being sold to Tencent? Don’t worry, that’s not the case! Wizards of the Coast has clarified that they are not planning to sell D&D. So, grab your dice and continue your epic adventures in the fantasy world of D&D! Share your thoughts and spread the word on social media using the hashtag #DnDNotForSale. Let’s keep the gaming community informed and excited! 😄🎲
Note: The information provided in this article is accurate as of its publication date. Any subsequent developments or updates should be verified through reliable sources.
