Last year, fans of the iconic tabletop role-playing game, Dungeons & Dragons, were thrilled when Wizards of the Coast and Resolution Games revealed they were bringing the beloved game into the realm of virtual reality.
For months, the details surrounding this new venture remained a mystery. That finally changed on Wednesday when the two companies unveiled both the official title and some intriguing information about the virtual experience they’ve been crafting for eager players.
The game, now named Battlemarked, will utilize Resolution Games’ Demeo system, which focuses on creating a virtual tabletop atmosphere. This system captures the spirit of D&D with its turn-based battles and an action point system driven by playing cards.
Interestingly, this marks the first collaboration between Resolution Games and Wizards of the Coast, promising an experience that feels authentically D&D-like, though Battlemarked veers away from tradition by eliminating the need for a Dungeon Master. This decision allows players to engage deeply in strategic planning and decision-making, shifting away from the typical role-playing aspects.
When Battlemarked launches, it will feature two story-driven campaigns designed for up to four players to delve into together.
The game will be accessible across a variety of platforms, including virtual reality, PCs, and consoles. While the specifics of which devices will support the game haven’t been disclosed, looking at Demeo’s availability on platforms like Meta Quest, Pico, SteamVR, PlayStation VR2, PlayStation 5, PC, Mac, and iPad gives us a pretty good idea of what to expect for Battlemarked.
A newly released trailer showcases some of the art style fans will recognize from Wizards of the Coast, along with a glimpse of some of the characters players can expect to inhabit, such as a Dragonborn fighter and a Tiefling rogue.
Despite these revelations, much about Battlemarked remains shrouded in mystery, including its official release date and pricing. The specifics of the campaign settings are also under wraps. However, Resolution Games has teased the addition of further campaigns that will explore other D&D settings later. When queried for more information, they chose to keep things under wraps.
Based in Stockholm, Sweden, Resolution Games has established itself over the past decade with a diverse portfolio that includes titles like Angry Birds: Isle of Pigs, Cook-Out: A Sandwich Tale, and Spatial Ops. To date, the company has secured roughly $38.6 million in funding, according to PitchBook.
This announcement fits seamlessly into the larger trend of D&D’s soaring popularity. The game has expanded beyond its origins into a dynamic multi-media empire, encompassing hit web series like Critical Role and Dimension 20, video games such as Baldur’s Gate 3 from Larian Studios, and even major cinematic releases like “Honor Among Thieves.”
