A recent job posting by Wizards of the Coast for a principal AI engineer has sparked speculation among fans of Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering. The posting indicated that the position would explore the use of AI programs in game development, asset creation, and automated frameworks. Despite concerns from fans, a company representative clarified that the role is for future video game projects and does not signal a change in Wizards’ stance on AI-generated material for their card and board games.
Wizards’ parent company Hasbro has been investing heavily in internal video game development, with successful releases such as Baldur’s Gate 3 and Monopoly Go. While AI has faced criticism in various fields, game developers have found positive applications for the technology that complement rather than replace human creativity. The addition of an AI engineer to Wizards’ core team may signify the company’s commitment to exploring innovative solutions in game development.
The contentious relationship between Wizards and its core audience has been further strained by a series of AI-related controversies. In January 2023, Wizards faced backlash for attempting to deauthorize and replace its Open Game License (OGL), which enables third-party designers to create D&D content for profit. This incident, along with recent discussions on the potential use of generative AI trained on D&D and Magic’s extensive history, has raised concerns among fans about the future of AI-generated content in the games.
As part of the 50th anniversary celebration of Dungeons & Dragons, Wizards has introduced new books and brand crossovers. Longtime D&D archvillain Vecna has made appearances in various forms, including as a killer in the asymmetrical horror game Dead by Daylight. Vecna also featured in the recent release Vecna: Eve of Ruin, an adventure that takes players across the D&D multiverse. The impending overhaul of the current edition of D&D later this year signals major changes to the game’s core books.
In addition to its fictional content, Wizards is set to release a nonfiction book titled The Making of Original Dungeons & Dragons: 1970-1977. The book delves into the early days of American tabletop gaming, exploring the collaboration between Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson that led to the creation of D&D. Scheduled for release on June 18, this book offers insights into the origins of the iconic tabletop game and its impact on the gaming industry.
