Hasbro currently owns Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). The beloved tabletop role-playing game is published and managed by Wizards of the Coast, which operates as a subsidiary of the global play and entertainment company, Hasbro.
The Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
Wizards of the Coast is the company responsible for developing, publishing, and managing the Dungeons & Dragons franchise. Established in 1990, the company has grown to become a dominant force in the gaming industry. Beyond D&D, Wizards of the Coast is also renowned for its highly successful trading card game, Magic: The Gathering. Historically, they also managed other popular game brands such as the Pokémon Trading Card Game for a period.
Hasbro's Ownership
The ultimate ownership of Dungeons & Dragons traces back to Hasbro. In 1999, Hasbro acquired Wizards of the Coast, integrating the company and its prominent game brands, including D&D and Magic: The Gathering, into its vast portfolio. This acquisition positioned Hasbro as the parent company, giving them ultimate control over the future direction and development of these iconic franchises.
Here's a breakdown of the ownership hierarchy:
| Entity | Relationship to D&D | Parent Company |
|---|---|---|
| Dungeons & Dragons | The game system and intellectual property | Wizards of the Coast |
| Wizards of the Coast | Publisher and brand manager of D&D | Hasbro |
| Hasbro | Ultimate owner of Wizards of the Coast and D&D | N/A (Publicly traded) |
This structure means that while Wizards of the Coast handles the day-to-day operations, creative direction, and publishing of D&D, the overarching corporate decisions and strategic control rest with Hasbro.
