Last year brought some thrilling news for tabletop RPG enthusiasts: Wizards of the Coast teamed up with Resolution Games to bring Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) into the realm of virtual reality. While fans have eagerly awaited more information, both companies kept most details under wraps—until now. Wednesday marked a significant turning point as they finally lifted the curtain, revealing the game’s official title and more tantalizing details, inching players ever closer to stepping into a VR D&D adventure.
Prepare to dive into the world of Battlemarked, the game that combines Resolution Games’ Demeo system with a fresh twist. Known for its virtual tabletop environment and turn-based combat, similar to the beloved D&D gameplay, Demeo also brings an action point system that revolves around playing cards. What’s even more exciting is that Battlemarked marks the first collaboration between Resolution Games and Wizards of the Coast, promising an authentic D&D vibe. However, it foregoes the need for a Dungeon Master, shifting focus to strategic play and decision-making over traditional roleplaying.
At its launch, Battlemarked will feature two captivating, story-driven campaigns designed for up to four players to enjoy together. The game will be accessible across a spectrum of platforms, including VR, PC, and consoles. Although specifics on which devices will support it remain under wraps, given Demeo’s availability on platforms like Meta Quest, Pico, SteamVR, PlayStation VR2, PlayStation 5, PC, Mac, and iPad, it’s a safe bet Battlemarked might follow suit.
Accompanying this announcement was a brand-new trailer showcasing the unmistakable art style from Wizards of the Coast. Fans can look forward to encountering beloved classes and races like the fighter Dragonborn, rogue Tiefling, and more. Despite all the excitement, several mysteries remain, especially regarding its launch date, price, and detailed campaign content. Resolution Games did hint at plans to release additional campaigns set in varied D&D universes, but they’re keeping further details under their hat for now.
Resolution Games, operating out of Stockholm, Sweden, has built a reputation over their ten-year journey, delivering a diverse array of games such as Angry Birds: Isle of Pigs, Cook-Out: A Sandwich Tale, and Spatial Ops. They’ve managed to gather $38.6 million in funding, as reported by PitchBook, fueling their innovative projects.
Today’s buzz around Battlemarked echoes a broader trend: D&D is becoming increasingly mainstream. It’s now woven into various media formats, boasting web series hits like Critical Role and Dimension 20, video game triumphs like Baldur’s Gate 3 by Larian Studios, and even a cinematic release with “Honor Among Thieves.” As D&D continues its march into the cultural spotlight, VR adaptations like Battlemarked stand ready to capture the imaginations of both new players and seasoned adventurers.
