In a recent development that has captured the attention of the gaming community, Wizards of the Coast is rolling out a digital rendition of its popular Magic: The Gathering Commander format. This exciting news came to light in a Bloomberg interview with Hasbro’s CEO, Chris Cocks, earlier this week. The move aligns with the company’s ongoing strategy to expand its digital presence, which Cocks emphasized as their effort to “reach fans where they want to play.”
This upcoming game is set to stand apart from the already popular Magic Arena app, which caters to the traditional two-player Magic format. The digital Commander game will broaden that scope, allowing more than two players to join in the fun. It’s aimed at enhancing the collectible nature of the game online, with plans for special collaborations featuring characters from iconic franchises like Lord of the Rings, Assassin’s Creed, and Marvel.
Hasbro has been navigating some stormy waters over the past two years. The company has made significant decisions, including the sale of its eOne film and TV division, shelving various video game projects, and unfortunately, implementing layoffs affecting around 1,900 employees in 2023, with another 100 reductions expected later this year. Adding to their challenges, Hasbro is currently facing a lawsuit from its investors. Despite these hurdles, the brands managed by Wizards of the Coast, such as Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons, along with mobile hits like Monopoly Go, are proving to be the company’s lifeline. According to their latest earnings report, while overall revenue saw a 15% dip, the WotC and Digital gaming sectors experienced a 7% revenue boost. This suggests that although Hasbro’s broader business struggles, focusing on thriving segments like these might be their best bet moving forward. Whether it’s taking the reins of the Commander format, increasing cross-over card ventures, or doubling down on digital gaming, only time will reveal if these strategies will pay off.
