Last year, fans of the iconic tabletop role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) received thrilling news. The game, beloved by millions, is set to make its virtual reality debut, thanks to a collaboration between Wizards of the Coast and Resolution Games.
For a while, both companies kept us guessing about what this new VR experience would entail. However, on Wednesday, they finally lifted the veil, revealing the game’s official title and offering a first glimpse of what’s to come. Players are now closer than ever to stepping into an immersive VR world of D&D.
The new game is called Battlemarked, and it draws from the innovative Demeo system created by Resolution Games. This system crafts a virtual tabletop setting, mirroring D&D’s familiar turn-based combat style. Demeo brings its own twist by using an action point system facilitated through playing cards.
What makes Battlemarked particularly exciting is that it marks the first collaboration between Resolution Games and Wizards of the Coast. This means players can expect an authentic D&D vibe, more so than from previous ventures like Demeo. Interestingly, Battlemarked stands apart by not requiring a Dungeon Master (DM). Instead, players can dive right into strategy and decision-making without the traditional role-playing aspect.
At its launch, Battlemarked will feature two story-driven campaigns, welcoming adventurers in groups of up to four players. The game is set to roll out across multiple platforms, including VR, PC, and consoles. While specifics on supported devices were not disclosed, it’s speculated that the release might mirror that of Demeo, which is available on Meta Quest, Pico, SteamVR, PlayStation VR2, PlayStation 5, PC, Mac, and iPad.
Coinciding with this announcement, a new trailer hit the screens, offering fans a taste of the beloved art style we’ve come to associate with Wizards of the Coast. It also teased some of the characters players can expect to encounter, like the fighter Dragonborn and rogue Tiefling.
Despite these exciting details, much remains under wraps. We still don’t know when exactly Battlemarked will launch or what the price tag will be. Details around the initial campaigns are also scarce. Resolution Games has teased additional campaigns set in various “D&D settings” might be introduced down the line, but they’re keeping their cards close for now.
Set in Stockholm, Sweden, Resolution Games has been making waves in the gaming world for over a decade. They’ve delivered a diverse portfolio that includes hits like Angry Birds: Isle of Pigs, Cook-Out: A Sandwich Tale, and Spatial Ops. To date, the company has secured about $38.6 million in funding, as reported by PitchBook.
This latest announcement is yet another chapter in the growing mainstream popularity of Dungeons & Dragons. The franchise has expanded far beyond its tabletop origins, branching into a multi-media empire that encompasses hit web series such as Critical Role and Dimension 20, video game triumphs like Baldur’s Gate 3 from Larian Studios, and even a cinematic venture with “Honor Among Thieves.”
