Last year, there was a buzz in the gaming world when Wizards of the Coast teamed up with Resolution Games to bring fans some thrilling news: Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), the classic tabletop role-playing game, is stepping into the world of virtual reality.
Up until now, the details about this project have been tightly guarded secrets, but on Wednesday, the veil was finally lifted. The companies revealed the official name and some key information about what they’re brewing up, moving us eagerly closer to experiencing D&D in VR.
The game, which will be called Battlemarked, taps into Resolution Games’ Demeo system. This system is known for creating a virtual tabletop atmosphere with mechanics that echo D&D through turn-based combat. Demeo also uses an action point system facilitated by playing cards.
What makes Battlemarked particularly significant is that it marks the first collaboration between Resolution Games and Wizards of the Coast. This partnership hints that players are in for an experience closely resembling authentic D&D gaming. Unlike traditional D&D, though, Battlemarked takes a departure by not requiring a Dungeon Master. Resolution Games wants players to dive into strategic thinking and decision-making, rather than focusing primarily on roleplaying.
Once it’s up and running, Battlemarked will offer two story-driven campaigns designed for up to four players.
The game is set to be accessible on a variety of platforms, spanning VR, PC, and consoles. While the company hasn’t released a detailed list of compatible devices yet, it’s worth noting that Demeo is already available on platforms such as Meta Quest, Pico, SteamVR, PlayStation VR2, PlayStation 5, PC, Mac, and iPad. It’s likely we can expect Battlemarked to follow suit.
In conjunction with the announcement, a new trailer was dropped. It features the distinctive art style that fans love from Wizards of the Coast and gives a sneak peek at some of the playable classes and races, including a fighter Dragonborn and a rogue Tiefling, among others.
Many details about Battlemarked remain under wraps, such as its release date and pricing. The specifics of the campaigns are still unknown too, though Resolution Games has hinted at plans to release additional campaigns set in various D&D settings down the line. They chose not to comment further during our inquiry.
Resolution Games, headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, has been in the gaming scene for a decade. They’ve created a diverse array of games including Angry Birds: Isle of Pigs, Cook-Out: A Sandwich Tale, and Spatial Ops. The company has successfully raised about $38.6 million so far, according to PitchBook.
This latest announcement is another chapter in the story of D&D’s growing popularity. The game has become a multimedia giant, branching out with web series like Critical Role and Dimension 20, video games such as Baldur’s Gate 3 by Larian Studios, and even movies like “Honor Among Thieves.”
