Last year, there was some buzz when Wizards of the Coast teamed up with Resolution Games to reveal a thrilling new project: bringing the beloved Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) universe into the realm of virtual reality (VR). This announcement sent waves of excitement through the RPG community as fans eagerly awaited more details.
For months, everyone has been left guessing as specifics about this groundbreaking game remained tightly guarded. But, finally, on Wednesday, both companies lifted the curtain, revealing not just the official title but also a sneak peek into what players can look forward to in this VR adaptation of D&D.
Get ready to immerse yourself in Battlemarked, a game set to redefine the D&D experience using Resolution Games’ Demeo system. This VR platform mimics a virtual tabletop, drawing heavily from the classic turn-based combat fans associate with D&D. Moreover, it includes a strategy-driven action point mechanism that integrates the use of cards.
What makes Battlemarked truly stand out is its inception as the inaugural collaboration between Resolution Games and Wizards of the Coast. This partnership promises a gaming experience that resonates closely with D&D’s core essence, while intriguingly, it omits the need for a Dungeon Master. Instead, players can channel their focus into strategic gameplay and decision-making.
Upon its release, Battlemarked will offer two narrative-rich campaigns designed for up to four players to dive into. Gamers can anticipate its availability across numerous platforms, from VR and PC to console. Although a definitive list of supported devices hasn’t been provided, looking at Demeo’s footprint—found on Meta Quest, Pico, SteamVR, PlayStation VR2, PlayStation 5, PC, Mac, and iPad—Battlemarked might just debut on these same systems.
In tandem with this exciting unveiling, a new trailer was released. This sneak peek is filled with the distinctive art style D&D fans cherish, featuring a variety of intriguing classes and races, including a Dragonborn fighter and a Tiefling rogue.
However, many aspects of this exciting project remain shrouded in mystery. We still don’t have concrete information on when Battlemarked will hit the market or what the price tag might be. The content and nature of the campaigns have also been kept under wraps. Still, there’s a hint from Resolution Games about future expansions that will explore different D&D worlds, yet they have been tight-lipped when probed for more details.
Based in Stockholm, Resolution Games has been crafting digital experiences for ten years now. Their portfolio boasts popular titles like Angry Birds: Isle of Pigs, Cook-Out: A Sandwich Tale, and Spatial Ops, showcasing their diverse approach to gaming. Backed by nearly $38.6 million in funding, according to PitchBook, this studio is certainly one to watch.
This exciting news reflects how D&D is solidifying its place in the mainstream entertainment landscape. With a presence that spans across successful web series like Critical Role and Dimension 20, hit video games such as Baldur’s Gate 3, and the recent film release, “Honor Among Thieves,” D&D continues to expand its universe, captivating audiences worldwide.