Wizards of the Coast & Giant Skull: Gamers Speak, Studios Listen | The DeanBeat
▼ Summary
– Wizards of the Coast announced an exclusive deal with Giant Skull to develop a new single-player action-adventure game set in Dungeons & Dragons.
– The game is in development for PC and console, with more details to be revealed later, and is led by Stig Asmussen, known for Star Wars Jedi games.
– John Hight, President of Wizards of the Coast, emphasized the goal of releasing premium games annually and praised Giant Skull’s expertise in action-adventure RPGs.
– The partnership aligns with Wizards’ broader strategy to expand its gaming lineup, including projects like Exodus and a G.I. Joe game, while leveraging D&D’s fantasy universe.
– Both Hight and Asmussen stressed the importance of creating high-quality, innovative games with strong storytelling and gameplay, rather than focusing solely on scale or budget.
Wizards of the Coast has teamed up with Giant Skull, the studio led by industry veteran Stig Asmussen, to develop a new single-player action-adventure game set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe. The collaboration marks a significant step for both companies, blending Asmussen’s expertise in high-profile action titles with Wizards’ iconic fantasy franchise.
The project, currently in development for PC and consoles, represents a fresh take on the D&D world. John Hight, President of Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming at Hasbro, emphasized the studio’s commitment to delivering premium gaming experiences. With a background overseeing major franchises like World of Warcraft and Diablo, Hight brings a wealth of experience to the partnership.
Asmussen, known for directing Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and God of War III, founded Giant Skull in 2023. His team specializes in action-adventure RPGs, making them a natural fit for a D&D-inspired title. “Dungeons & Dragons is something I grew up with, and our team is deeply passionate about it,” Asmussen noted. The game will leverage Unreal Engine 5, ensuring cutting-edge visuals and gameplay.
The deal came together after Hight reached out to Asmussen late last year. “When I saw their vertical slice, I knew this was something special,” Hight said. The demo showcased tight combat mechanics and immersive world-building, key elements for a successful action RPG.
Beyond this project, Wizards of the Coast has several other games in development. Archetype Entertainment is working on Exodus, a sci-fi RPG, while Atomic Arcade is developing a G.I. Joe title featuring Snake Eyes. These efforts reflect Wizards’ strategy to expand its gaming portfolio beyond traditional formats.
The success of Baldur’s Gate 3 and Monopoly Go has set high expectations. Hight acknowledged the challenge but remains confident in Giant Skull’s ability to deliver. “Players want great games, whether they’re big-budget or experimental,” he said. “Our focus is on quality and innovation.”
Asmussen’s team operates with a lean structure, currently at 35 members. “We don’t need to scale unnecessarily,” he explained. The studio prioritizes a strong vertical slice before committing to full production, ensuring a polished final product.
Both Hight and Asmussen stressed the importance of player experience over ticking boxes. “Games need soul,” Asmussen said. “It’s about that moment-to-moment feeling that keeps players engaged.”
With a balanced budget and creative freedom, Giant Skull aims to craft a D&D adventure that resonates with fans and newcomers alike. “We’re here to make something amazing,” Asmussen concluded. The gaming world will be watching closely as this ambitious project takes shape.
(Source: VentureBeat)
