Last year, we got some intriguing news from Wizards of the Coast and Resolution Games – they’re bringing the legendary tabletop RPG, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), into the realm of virtual reality.
Up until recently, specifics about this new venture were a bit of a mystery. But on Wednesday, the companies lifted the curtain, revealing the game’s official title along with more juicy details. This brings us that much closer to diving into a VR D&D adventure.
The new game, called Battlemarked, builds on the Demeo system by Resolution Games. For those familiar, it delivers a virtual tabletop setup with gameplay that echoes the beloved D&D, complete with turn-based skirmishes. Demeo also spices things up with an action point system fueled by playing cards.
Battlemarked marks a notable collaboration between Resolution Games and Wizards of the Coast. It promises to deliver an experience that feels decidedly D&D, surpassing even Demeo in authenticity. However, in a twist, Battlemarked does away with the need for a Dungeon Master. This shift encourages players to focus more on strategy and decision-making rather than getting lost in role-playing.
When Battlemarked launches, it will feature two story-driven campaigns, allowing for up to four players to jump in and enjoy the action.
The game is set to be playable on a range of platforms, including VR, PC, and consoles. Although a detailed list of compatible devices isn’t available yet, we can make educated guesses based on Demeo’s reach – think Meta Quest, Pico, SteamVR, PlayStation VR2, PlayStation 5, PC, Mac, and iPad. Battlemarked is likely to land on similar platforms.
With the announcement, a stylish new trailer has been released. It showcases the familiar art style from Wizards of the Coast, featuring iconic classes and races like a fighter Dragonborn, a rogue Tiefling, and more.
There’s still a cloud of mystery surrounding Battlemarked, as we wait for information on its launch date and pricing. The campaign details remain under wraps too. Resolution Games has teased additional campaigns set in various D&D environments for the future but remained tight-lipped in response to further inquiries.
Resolution Games, based in Stockholm, Sweden, has been crafting games for about a decade now. Their portfolio includes hits like Angry Birds: Isle of Pigs, Cook-Out: A Sandwich Tale, and Spatial Ops. According to PitchBook, they’ve raised approximately $38.6 million to date.
This latest announcement is yet another sign of D&D’s rising stardom. The franchise has grown beyond its tabletop roots into a multimedia behemoth, including fan-favorite web series like Critical Role and Dimension 20, video games such as Baldur’s Gate 3 made by Larian Studios, and even hitting the big screen with “Honor Among Thieves.”
