Last year marked an exhilarating announcement for fans of tabletop gaming as Wizards of the Coast teamed up with Resolution Games to reveal a new frontier for Dungeons & Dragons (D&D): virtual reality. This beloved RPG is stepping into the world of VR, promising an innovative way to experience its magic.
For a while, the details were as enigmatic as a shadowy dungeon, kept tightly under wraps. But this past Wednesday, the curtain lifted a bit. The companies not only revealed the official title, Battlemarked, but also shared new insights into what players can expect, moving us all a step closer to this intriguing VR adventure.
This upcoming game, dubbed Battlemarked, builds upon the Demeo system created by Resolution Games. It places players within a virtual tabletop setting where turn-based combat reminiscent of D&D takes center stage, enhanced by an action point system using playing cards.
In a significant first, Battlemarked partners Resolution Games with Wizards of the Coast. This collaboration aims to deliver something closer to the authentic D&D essence than Demeo. Interestingly, it diverges from the traditional formula by sidestepping the need for a Dungeon Master (DM). Instead, the focus shifts toward strategic gameplay and decision-making, providing a fresh take for those accustomed to the roleplaying aspects.
At its launch, Battlemarked is set to offer two campaigns rich with story, playable by up to four adventurers. Gamers can look forward to diving into this experience across a range of platforms including VR, PC, and consoles. While a full list of compatible devices wasn’t disclosed, considering Demeo’s availability on Meta Quest, Pico, SteamVR, PlayStation VR2, PlayStation 5, PC, Mac, and iPad, it seems likely that Battlemarked will follow a similar path.
Accompanying this announcement was a fresh trailer, showcasing the iconic art style from Wizards of the Coast, which fans hold dear. It teased some of the dynamic classes and races such as fighter Dragonborns and rogue Tieflings, among others.
Despite this exciting reveal, much still remains shrouded in mystery. The launch date and pricing are under wraps, and details of the campaigns are yet to be shared. However, Resolution Games has plans to expand the game with new campaigns set in diverse D&D settings in the future. Unfortunately, when pressed for more info, the company stayed tight-lipped.
Resolution Games, a stalwart of the industry based in Stockholm, Sweden, has been crafting games for the past decade. Their portfolio includes titles like Angry Birds: Isle of Pigs, Cook-Out: A Sandwich Tale, and Spatial Ops. According to PitchBook, they’ve raised approximately $38.6 million in funding thus far.
This announcement is also a testament to D&D’s surging mainstream popularity. The franchise has morphed into a multi-media marvel, inspiring hit web series like Critical Role and Dimension 20, steering video games such as Baldur’s Gate 3 from Larian Studios, and even venturing onto the big screen with “Honor Among Thieves.”
