Wizards of the Coast Taps Giant Skull for New D&D Action Game

In breaking news at Summer Game Fest Play Days, Hasbro’s Wizards of the Coast has officially partnered with Giant Skull, the new studio led by Stig Asmussen. This exclusive publishing agreement brings a new single-player action-adventure game to the world of Dungeons & Dragons, powered by Unreal Engine 5 and set for PC and console.

A New D&D Action-Adventure

The project marks “a definitive moment” in both Wizards of the Coast’s and Giant Skull’s gaming ambitions. As a premium title under the Wizards label, it’s built from the ground up as an original single-player experience. Fans can expect deep melee combat, rich traversal mechanics, and the signature fantasy lore of Dungeons & Dragons.

Leaders Behind the Partnership

John Hight, President of Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming at Hasbro, brought over a decade of Blizzard leadership, overseeing World of Warcraft and Diablo expansions. He tapped Stig Asmussen—known for directing Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and God of War III—to helm the new studio. Their longstanding rapport set the stage for swift collaboration.

From Vertical Slice to Full Game

Asmussen’s 35-person core team showcased a vertical slice that impressed Hight in Encino. With Unreal Engine 5 already powering their prototype, the studio secured a contract in December 2024. Regular visits to Wizards’ Seattle HQ ensure creative alignment, while Asmussen emphasizes agile development over unchecked team growth.

Wizards’ Expanding Game Portfolio

• Archetype Entertainment (Austin) is developing Exodus, a sci-fi RPG with an emotional narrative.
• Atomic Arcade (Raleigh) released first images from its Snake Eyes G.I. JOE game.
• Invoke (Montreal) is building another D&D action-adventure focused on magic.
• Skeleton Key (Austin) works on a suspenseful horror-action title.

Industry Lessons in Team and Budget

The deal underscores a shift toward lean, focused teams. Asmussen keeps Giant Skull at around 35 developers, favoring a strong vertical slice and data-driven milestones over unchecked headcount. Wizards provides a healthy budget range, granting flexibility for added features that enhance player engagement.

With hits like Baldur’s Gate 3 setting high barrs, Wizards of the Coast aims to deliver two premium games yearly. This partnership exemplifies how strategic studio relationships, clear creative goals, and disciplined production planning can yield standout titles in a competitive market.