WotC WotC to power other IPs with D&D and M:TG

In Hasbro’s recent conference call, a few things were mentioned.

• Using D&D and Magic ‘play systems’ to power other IPs via their ‘Universes Beyond’ initiatives
• Using D&D Beyond as a hub
• Other physical and digital tie-ins

The Universes Beyond initiative has been running since early 2021 for Magic: The Gathering, and initially featured a The Walking Dead expansion (grandfathered in from 2020), and a Stranger Things set (2020). 2022 will see Warhammer 40K, Fortnite, and Street Fighter; and a Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle Earth set is going out in 2023.

In addition, properties like Godzilla and Dracula have featured as MtG sets, but not as part of the Universes Beyond initiative; and in 2019 there was a My Little Pony crossover. There have also, of course, been D&D/MtG crossovers in both directions.

Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment President Cynthia Williams said:“You'll see us continue to expand the number of formats and reach new customer segments by expanding our Universes Beyond initiatives, which brings IP from outside of Magic into the Magic play system, We've talked a lot about universes beyond in Magic, which is this concept of thinking about Magic as a play system and bringing in outside brands or outside IP into that play system. We see potential for that with D&D as well."

She also talked about other tie-ins: "And then we see a lot of e-commerce and direct opportunities working in partnership with our Hasbro Pulse team to have physical digital tie-ins that are unique to the platform".

Hasbro’s Chris Cocks mentioned the recent D&D Beyond acquisition: “And then we’ll add on top of that the 50th anniversary of Dungeons & Dragons in 2024, where that entertainment, consumer products, and gaming momentum will continue. So, we see a lot of growth vectors and a lot of lifts for D&D with the D&D Beyond platform being central to that.”

IcV2 has a good summary.

WotC Plans to Use 'D&D' Play System for More IPs

And More from Hasbro's Q1 Report

icv2.com

 

[bedir than]

That GI Joe, Transformers, Power Rangers rpg license might be short

 

[Professor Murder]

That GI Joe, Transformers, Power Rangers rpg license might be short

Yeah. My expectation is, if the games prove popular, they will either not renew and publish their own version, or like DnDBeyond, buy it outright. However, as all three feel like niche products, I can't really predict what will happen. That said, how many books would you want of any of these properties?

 

[Paul Farquhar]

Cluedo would seem like an obvious IP to turn into an RPG.

 

[Jer]

Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment President Cynthia Williams said:“You'll see us continue to expand the number of formats and reach new customer segments by expanding our Universes Beyond initiatives, which brings IP from outside of Magic into the Magic play system, We've talked a lot about universes beyond in Magic, which is this concept of thinking about Magic as a play system and bringing in outside brands or outside IP into that play system. We see potential for that with D&D as well."

Ah finally - the Clue-themed Magic the Gathering expansion I always wanted is just on the horizon!

Edit: @Paul Farquhar ninja'd me, but great minds think alike!

 

[Jacob Lewis]

So becoming the Lowest Common Denominator is the goal. Got it.

 

[darjr]

Just to throw in more speculation

 

[Jer]

That GI Joe, Transformers, Power Rangers rpg license might be short

I'm wondering exactly what universes for MtG she's talking about. Of these, Power Rangers seems like a lock for being a setting that could get a game with the Magic rules to some degree. Five different colors, summoning giant monsters and giant robots. Seems like it could be a natural fit. The other two feel more like a reach.

Unless by "outside brands" she's talking outside licenses. Like how Hasbro licenses out Monopoly to every licensed property under the sun for collectors. Even then, it feels like the development that would need to go into a Magic set is far and above what it takes to slap together yet another Monopoly variant.

 

[darjr]

I'm wondering exactly what universes for MtG she's talking about. Of these, Power Rangers seems like a lock for being a setting that could get a game with the Magic rules to some degree. Five different colors, summoning giant monsters and giant robots. Seems like it could be a natural fit. The other two feel more like a reach.

Unless by "outside brands" she's talking outside licenses. Like how Hasbro licenses out Monopoly to every licensed property under the sun for collectors. Even then, it feels like the development that would need to go into a Magic set is far and above what it takes to slap together yet another Monopoly variant.

Oh the magic part. More like Magic:WH40k

or Magic:Lord of the Rings

Wizards of the Coast's 'Universes Beyond' Announcement Reveals Their Licensing Plans for 'Magic: The Gathering'

They Will Make 'Magic: The Gathering' Sets Featuring 'Warhammer 40,000' and 'Lord of the Rings'

icv2.com

 

[bedir than]

I'm wondering exactly what universes for MtG she's talking about. Of these, Power Rangers seems like a lock for being a setting that could get a game with the Magic rules to some degree. Five different colors, summoning giant monsters and giant robots. Seems like it could be a natural fit. The other two feel more like a reach.

Unless by "outside brands" she's talking outside licenses. Like how Hasbro licenses out Monopoly to every licensed property under the sun for collectors. Even then, it feels like the development that would need to go into a Magic set is far and above what it takes to slap together yet another Monopoly variant.

Universes Beyond is things like Walking Dead, LotR, Warhammer 40k, but could easily include internal brands. They don't have to fit the MtG or D&D vibe at all.

They just need great art and a passionate audience.

The Complete List of MTG Universes Beyond Products - Draftsim

Wizards described Universes Beyond as a combination of Magic’s gameplay with worlds, stories, and characters “cherished by millions”. This means bringing other franchises and works into Magic.

draftsim.com