Why is D&D for sale?

[ProtoClone]

I keep hearing that Elvis is alive and working in a convenience store somewhere.

Well actually he eats at the Burger King on S. Westnedge in Kalamazoo, Mi. a lot.

 

[Storm Raven]

If D&D is doing so well, as stated constantly over and over by WotC, then why is it up for sale?

Not that I think D&D is "up for sale" or anything but . . .

Companies sell profitable divisions all the time. Actually, profitable companies, ubsidiaries, and product lines are easier to sell than ones that ar ein trouble. The reason for this is simple: selling something that is valuable is easier than selling something that appears not to be. Now, companies that sell profitable portions of their structure expect more money in return, but the fact that a product line, or subsidiary is "doing well" doesn't mean it is immune to sale. It just means that the offer would have to be more substantial.

I figure if you showed up on WotC's doorstep with a serious offer of $100 million to buy the D&D product line, they would seriously consider selling it to you, whether or not it is a profitable portion of their business.

 

[TheYeti1775]

Maybe if they sell it the next company that gets it will respect the DMs and their long-term fanbase more than WotC.

~~~

We play with fantasy worlds not live them.
Sorry couldn't resist, temptation such vile beast. Must be a CR40 or something.

 

[Raven Crowking]

Apparently, I keep hearing that Hasbro has the D&D line up for sale.

This rumour is actually, officially true.

D&D is for sale. This has been confirmed.

You can buy it in three core books, plus a number of supplements, at your FLGS, at Amazon.com, or in several books stores (such as the World's Biggest Bookstore here in Toronto).


RC

 

[LordofIllusions]

We play with fantasy worlds not live them.

Huh?

~~~

 

[Birmy]

This is like the guy at my local comic shop that swore up and down that Marvel and DC are owned by the same company.

 

[Glyfair]

Habsro doesn't work that way. They don't manage their divisions like that. If D&D was for sale, it would be because WotC wanted to sell it. Hasbro wouldn't have anything to do with it.

No, I think decisions at this level are made by Hasbro. Do you think it was WotC that made the decision to sell the electronic rights to D&D (along with Hasbro's other IP) to Infogrames for 15 years?

Decisions about specific products are certainly things that are made at WotC's level. Maybe Hasbro will suggest something (we have a big GI Joe push this year, do you think you could create a one-off GI Joe RPG?). However, decisions about selling brands are something that Hasbro certainly makes, perhaps with some input from WotC (we aren't doing anything with this Dune license, perhaps it should lapse).

 

[Doc_Souark]

I keep hearing that Elvis is alive and working in a convenience store somewhere.

He's working in a grocery store in Memphis and goes by Harry now.

 

[Kaladhan]

And they go fishing with Jimmy Hoffa on weekends.

And they are hunting mummys with John F. Kennedy in their retirement home.

 

[The Grumpy Celt]

Well, they are probably willing to sell D&D. For that matter, they might sell all the rights to Monopoly, if the price were right. But who would fork over the cash for D&D. It may not be a big earner, but it still has a lot invested in it and I don't know who would be willing and able to purchase it.