D&D 5E D&D Digital Plans To Be Revealed On February 21st

Brian D. Goldner, Chairman of the Board and CEO at Hasbro took part in the company's Quarter 4...

Brian D. Goldner, Chairman of the Board and CEO at Hasbro took part in the company's Quarter 4 2019 earnings call. This included several references to D&D.

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  • D&D grew again for the sixth year in a row.
  • Streaming D&D content was up nearly 50% on last year.
  • Substantial new (digital) gaming plans for D&D will be revealed on February 21st at Hasbro's Analyst Day
  • Total games category grew by 6%, as D&D, MtG, and Monopoly bolstered declines elsewhere.
  • Profit declined due to digital D&D and M:tG digital games investment.
"Well, good morning, and we did see very strong growth for Magic: The Gathering and increased growth for Dungeons & Dragons. "

"Magic: The Gathering revenues increased more than 30% in the year, behind double-digit growth in tabletop play and a strong first year for Magic: The Gathering Arena. Dungeons & Dragons revenues grew for the sixth straight year, and we are meaningfully investing in both brands to drive engaging storytelling, while developing new digital games with high margin profitable growth longer term. We look forward to sharing our 2020 new gaming plans for Magic and D&D on February 21. MONOPOLY had double-digit revenue growth and grew in each region with new themes and relevant entertainment tie-ins. We advanced our consumer products licensing business growing revenues double digits and expanding operating profit margin. We've broadened our licensed brand portfolio and expanded our reach with original live events that drive consumer engagement."

"In addition, for D&D, we did see our sixth straight year of growth. We are seeing about 150 million hours of content viewed on Twitch and YouTube, which is up nearly 50% year-on-year. In the first half of 2020, we are seeing a lot of new initiatives coming for the brand, but again I'm going to let Chris walk us through at at our Analyst Day, our plans for digital gaming, which are again substantial for D&D that begins in 2020."

"You'll also see great digital game development for D&D. And we will see you on February 21 to outline that."

"Our total games category grew 6% for the year, fueled by growth in Magic: The Gathering and MONOPOLY. Higher revenues from Dungeons & Dragons and several classic games titles did not offset declines in our Hasbro Gaming portfolio"

"Adjusted operating profit and profit margin declined as we invest in digital gaming initiatives including Magic: The Gathering Arena and future Magic and Dungeons & Dragons digital games."

"We delivered compelling gaming experiences, led by the work of our teams at Wizards of the Coast. Our positive results to date have us on plan to double Wizards of the Coast coast revenues over five years from 2018 to 2023."

You can read the full transcript at The Motley Fool.
 

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GreyLord

Legend
Ok, what I want to know is how the heck did Monopoly have double-digit growth? Seriously???

Various themed ideas (or different games that are monopoly, but with a tweak or two to the rules to make it different) with Monopoly have come out recently which have spurred growth with the Monopoly franchise.

I also wonder what they mean by digital plans. Are they going to be sponsoring streaming games? Or creating tools for digital online play? Or something else?

Some information of this has already been released and is known about. Magic has it's own digital stream of gaming currently, and several D&D games are in production for digital assets.

As it states, they may release more detailed information regarding the digital initiatives on the 21st.
 

MONOPOLY had double-digit revenue growth and grew in each region with new themes and relevant entertainment tie-ins.
I've got a bad feeling about this....

"Today Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast are excited to announce the latest official D&D setting is…..Monopoly! Yes, now your adventurers can finally explore iconic locations like Park Place and Boardwalk! Loot legendary treasure from the mythical Community Chest! New playable races include Top Hat, Race Car, and other favorites. Also includes rules for new downtime activities like real estate management and going to jail. Pre-order your copy today!"
 
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Jimmy Dick

Adventurer
Makes you wonder if they might not try another D&D MMO. I'm not sure they are earning any revenue from DDO at this point in its life cycle. Since that one is 3.5 based, a MMO based off the 5e rules might be feasible. The real problem with that is it takes a few years to build and launch a MMO compared to a regular video game. That and a much higher price tag for development.
 

JeffB

Legend
I've got a bad feeling about this....

"Today Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast are excited to announce the latest official D&D setting is…..Monopoly! Yes, now your adventurers can finally explore iconic locations like Park Place and Broadway! Loot legendary treasure from the mythical Community Chest! New playable races include Top Hat, Race Car, and other favorites. Also includes rules for new downtime activities like real estate management and going to jail. Pre-order your copy today!"

IDK- That sounds a lot more inspired than some of the APs they have put out so far :D
 

HarbingerX

Rob Of The North
I'm skeptical this works for them. Many companies have tried to going into digital games and failed because it's not their core competency and they are not prepared for the massive investment of time and money required to bring out digital games. Not to mention how they can never deliver in the quarter the business had planned to release. Even those that succeed eventually shutter the digital division after a few duds. It would be as if Hasbro decided to go into the movie or TV production business.

Games Workshop has done a fantastic job getting their IP out and not having to take any of the risks inherent in software development. Hasbro would be wise to consider following their model, apart from digital boardgame adaptations.
 

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