New reports have emerged suggesting that the Chinese media conglomerate Tencent may be interested in acquiring the iconic tabletop role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons from Hasbro. Developed by Wizards of the Coast, this role-playing game has long been one of the most recognizable brands in tabletop gaming, with numerous iterations of the classic RPG formula. The franchise has also inspired a wide array of video games, including critically acclaimed titles such as 2023's Baldur's Gate 3 and others. Now, a major player in the Chinese gaming industry may be seeking to make a move into the world of role-playing games.
As one of China's most prominent gaming entities, Tencent has already made significant inroads into the gaming industry, with ownership of several popular brands. In 2015, Tencent acquired League of Legends developer Riot Games, finalizing a purchase that had seen the Chinese company acquire a 93% stake in the Santa Monica-based developer in 2011. Tencent also possesses TiMi Studio, best known for developing Call of Duty: Mobile and Pokemon Unite. Now, Tencent is reportedly eyeing the purchase of one of gaming's most iconic brands, Dungeons and Dragons.
Tencent's Interest in Acquiring Dungeons and Dragons from Hasbro
According to a report by ComicBook, a recent article from the Chinese media site Speed Daily reveals that Tencent is keen on acquiring the Dungeons and Dragons brand from Hasbro. The report suggests that Hasbro had initially been in discussions with Baldur's Gate 3 developer Larian Studios about acquiring the rights to the IP, with Larian reportedly lacking the funds for the purchase. Subsequently, Hasbro redirected its attention to Tencent, an investor in the Baldur's Gate studio. The report does not clarify whether Tencent aims to acquire the entire brand or secure exclusive rights to create Dungeons and Dragons games.
Tencent's interest in acquiring Dungeons and Dragons comes at a time of significant regulatory changes in the Chinese gaming market. The country recently introduced new gaming laws, imposing various restrictions on in-game microtransactions, including the prohibition of games offering additional incentives to first-time spenders. The laws also address several other practices commonly employed by free-to-play games, such as the elimination of daily reward systems and rewards for consecutive purchases.
The potential sale of Dungeons and Dragons coincides with the game's substantial success in recent years. In addition to the aforementioned Baldur's Gate 3, 2023 witnessed the release of Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, which grossed over $200 million globally at the box office. Wizards of the Coast is also gearing up to introduce the newest iteration of the core game, with One D&D expected to launch later this year. With Dungeons and Dragons enjoying a period of high acclaim, Tencent may now be looking to join in on its success.