In an exciting move for Dungeons & Dragons fans, last year, Wizards of the Coast teamed up with Resolution Games to announce that the beloved tabletop RPG would make its debut in the world of virtual reality. This news stirred quite the buzz among the community, as many were eager to see how this classic game would be transformed.
Fast forward to now, and we’re finally getting a peek behind the curtain. On Wednesday, the companies shared some long-awaited details, unveiling the official title and a few more tidbits about what players can expect from this VR adventure.
The game, named Battlemarked, is set to take advantage of Resolution Games’ Demeo system. This setup brings players into a virtual tabletop realm, offering gameplay reminiscent of traditional D&D. Expect turn-based combat along with a strategic action point system that cleverly uses playing cards.
This collaboration marks the first time Resolution Games and Wizards of the Coast are joining forces, which means Battlemarked is poised to deliver a more authentic D&D experience compared to Demeo. Interestingly enough, in a twist from classic D&D, there’s no Dungeon Master steering the ship here. Instead, the focus is on strategy and decision-making, dialing back the roleplaying element a bit.
To start, Battlemarked will feature two story-driven campaigns designed for up to four players. You can dive into the game on a variety of platforms, from VR to PC and console. While an exact list of supported devices hasn’t been released, it’s worth noting that Demeo can be played on devices like Meta Quest, Pico, SteamVR, PlayStation VR2, PlayStation 5, PC, Mac, and iPad, so Battlemarked might follow suit.
In tandem with their big reveal, Resolution Games dropped a new trailer. It showcases the familiar Wizards of the Coast art style we all adore, featuring exciting characters like a fighter Dragonborn and a rogue Tiefling, among others.
Despite the reveal, much remains shrouded in mystery, such as the release date, price, and even some campaign details. Resolution Games hinted at plans to roll out more campaigns exploring various D&D settings down the line, although they weren’t ready to spill all the beans just yet.
Resolution Games, hailing from Stockholm, has been creating engaging titles for about a decade now. They’ve developed an eclectic mix of games, including favorites like Angry Birds: Isle of Pigs and Cook-Out: A Sandwich Tale. Over the years, they’ve gathered $38.6 million in funding, as noted by PitchBook.
This latest announcement underscores the ever-growing popularity of D&D, which has made significant inroads into mainstream culture. From influential web series like Critical Role and Dimension 20 to decidedly immersive video games such as Larian Studios’ Baldur’s Gate 3, and even a feature film, “Honor Among Thieves,” D&D has certainly come a long way in capturing the imaginations of both old and new fans alike.
