Wizards of the Coast Goes All In On New D&D Gambling Game
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In news which came as a surprise to many Dungeons & Dragons fans, Hasbro recently announced a licensing deal with the gambling company Global Games to produce a number of new products. This includes an upcoming digital slot machine entitled Dungeons & Dragons: Tales of Riches, which will be hitting casinos and online iGaming platforms sometime in early 2025.
It’s a somewhat controversial move for Hasbro given the often negative connotation of gambling among many consumers, but also speaks to some of the growing financial pressures Hasbro is facing and the value of licensing global intellectual properties like D&D.
So just why is Hasbro betting big on digital slot machines? Below, we try to hit the jackpot on all the details.
What is “Dungeons & Dragons: Tales of Riches”?
Dungeons & Dragons: Tales of Riches is an upcoming digital slot machine designed by casino game developer Neon Valley Studios. It’s not entirely clear yet what the game will look like or how it will integrate D&D into gameplay, but like other digital slot machines it will require real world currency to play and will feature a mix of digital elements that players can interact act with while placing bets.
Like other slot machines the game will only be available to play online on iGaming platforms or at fully licensed casinos and locations where iGaming is allowed (such as bars and restaurants).
Who is Global Gaming?
Games Global is a UK-based developer and distributor of iGaming products; which are essentially digital slot machines that can be played both in-person and on licensed online platforms. The company owns the rights to over 1,300 titles, which they produce or distribute for a variety of partner studios, and has working relationships with almost 1,000 global casino brands.
Who is Neon Valley Studios?
Neon Valley Studios is a game development studio based in Las Vegas that specializes in creating online slot games, with a focus on more interactive content. Notably, they’ve developed a number of fantasy-themed casino titles, including Age of Conquest and Asgardian Fire. It’s likely because of games like these that the company was selected to develop a digital D&D slot machine.
Why is Hasbro licensing out D&D to a gambling company?
It’s not entirely clear why Hasbro has decided to license out the Dungeons & Dragons brand to a global online casino distributor, but like many business decisions it likely comes down to dollars and cents. Global gambling is a highly lucrative market and the potential licensing revenue could be significant (although neither Games Global or Hasbro has provided any information on the financial details).
And while some might see it as a potential black mark on the Dungeons & Dungeons brand to be associated with gambling, it’s not an unusual move. In fact, just check out the floor of any major casino in Las Vegas and you’ll find slot machines for a large number of pop culture brands (although in recent years, larger brands like Star Wars and Disney have been phasing out their IPs from casinos).
Final Thoughts
The upcoming Tales of Riches game isn’t the first time that Dungeons & Dragons has been licensed out as a slot machine. In fact, noted video game developer Konami released a D&D slot machine back in 2014 which featured many familiar aspects of the game.
So while some fans might be expressing moral outrage, Hasbro is likely willing to test its luck when it comes to licensing out one of their biggest brands.
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