Resolution Games Unveils Battlemarked: A New VR Dungeons & Dragons Experience

Last year, excitement filled the air when Wizards of the Coast teamed up with Resolution Games to bring the much-loved tabletop RPG, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), into the realm of virtual reality. Since then, fans have eagerly awaited more details about this intriguing development.

Until recently, the specifics of this VR adaptation were shrouded in mystery. However, on Wednesday, the companies pulled back the curtain, revealing the game’s official title and offering a deeper glimpse into what players can expect from this immersive experience.

The new game, aptly named Battlemarked, builds on Resolution Games’ Demeo platform. This setup creates a virtual tabletop atmosphere that mirrors D&D’s classic feel, complete with turn-based skirmishes. It also introduces an action point system utilizing playing cards to enhance gameplay.

This collaboration marks the first between Resolution Games and Wizards of the Coast, promising a more authentic D&D vibe, setting it apart from Demeo’s existing offerings. Interestingly, Battlemarked does away with the need for a Dungeon Master (DM), allowing gamers to focus on honing their strategic and decision-making prowess, rather than getting lost in roleplay.

Upon its release, Battlemarked will feature two engaging story campaigns designed for up to four players to enjoy. Furthermore, its availability spans multiple platforms, including VR, PC, and console. While a detailed list of supported devices hasn’t been disclosed, we do know that Demeo runs on Meta Quest, Pico, SteamVR, PlayStation VR2, PlayStation 5, PC, Mac, and iPad, hinting that Battlemarked may follow a similar path.

The announcement was accompanied by a tantalizing new trailer, showcasing the familiar and beloved art style from Wizards of the Coast. It revealed a sneak peek at some classes and races players can expect, such as the dashing Dragonborn fighter and the cunning Tiefling rogue.

Despite the excitement, many details remain under wraps, including the game’s launch date and pricing. The story campaigns themselves are also a mystery for now. Nevertheless, Resolution Games plans to roll out more campaigns set in diverse D&D settings over time, though they’ve kept mum on further specifics.

Resolution Games, based in Stockholm, Sweden, has been creating games for over a decade and boasts a diverse portfolio including titles like Angry Birds: Isle of Pigs, Cook-Out: A Sandwich Tale, and Spatial Ops. The studio has raised about $38.6 million according to PitchBook.

Today’s announcement underscores the ever-growing mainstream appeal of D&D. It has transformed into a multimedia phenomenon, spawning acclaimed web series such as Critical Role and Dimension 20, blockbuster video games like Baldur’s Gate 3, and even a cinematic outing with “Honor Among Thieves.”