Fan's perspcective: Why Larian Studios should buy Dungeons and Dragons from the WOtC

[Banelord]

As a longtime fan of Dungeons&Dragons, I have witnessed both its peaks and disappointing troughs. Recent years under Wizards of the Coast (WotC) have seen the franchise stray from its roots, much to the dismay of many in the community.

In this context, the idea of Larian Studios acquiring D&D sparks not just interest but hope. And here is why.

I firmly believe Larian Studios, known for its dedication to core roleplaying game elements, could bring D&D back to its foundational principles. Under WotC, the franchise has often felt diluted, catering more to broader market trends than to its core fans. Larians track record with games like "Divinity: Original Sin" shows a commitment to immersive storytelling and deep character development, aspects that D&D desperately needs to reembrace. We need a return to core RPG elements, and Larian can do it.

Moving on, Larian Studios has earned a reputation for respecting and engaging with its fan base, a STARK contrast to WotCs recent approach. Many fans, myself included, have felt increasingly alienated by WotCs decisions, which often seem driven by market analytics rather than genuine engagement with the community. Thats why I believe that Larians acquisition would restore the sense of community and belonging that has been seriously eroding under WotC.

One of Larian strengths is its ability to innovate without losing sight of tradition; a balance that I feel D&D has struggled with lately. It is my strong belief that Larians approach to game design, which blends classic RPG mechanics with modern sensibilities, could breathe new life into D&D while staying true to what made the franchise great in the first place. The innovative approach, while strictly honoring franchize's tradition and the established lore, is exactly what I feel we need, and Larian did this so great in BG3.

Under WotC, and consequently Hasbro, D&D has often seemed to me like a small cog in a large corporate machine, with decisions driven more by profit margins than by creative vision. Larian, being an independent studio with a clear and obvious passion for RPGs, could free D&D from these constraints, allowing for more creative "risks" and a return to a more authentic, fan focused approach. And after teh resounding success with BG3, I believe in Larian's strength to break free from corporate constraints now.

Finally, Larian acquiring D&D could symbolize a fresh start for the franchise. Its an opportunity to reset, to reevaluate what D&D should be about AND to rebuild trust with a fan base that feels increasingly disillusioned. Its not just about new games or merchandise; it's reviving a community and a legacy. An unique opportunity not seen since Black Isle's days.

As a fan, the prospect of Larian Studios acquiring D&D is more than just a company transaction.

It is a beacon of hope for a franchise that has lost its way.

To me, it represents the possibility of a D&D that:

- honors its past,
- listens to its fans, and
- isn't afraid to innovate.

If you share these sentiments, I encourage you to spread this idea across forums and social networks. Lets unite our voices to advocate for a change that could revive the heart and soul of Dungeons & Dragons.

[✙205🍉🐆→]

Europeans should not be allowed to buy Dungeons and Dragons from the WOtC at all, they will add politics that surrounds them, Dungeons and Dragons should be bought by either the Japanese or Koreans.

[Govi]

It might be worth more to them to just license the rights to use it for a game or two then move on so not to go stale

[アンジェル]

Originally posted by ✙205🍉🐆→:

Europeans should not be allowed to buy Dungeons and Dragons from the WOtC at all, they will add politics that surrounds them, Dungeons and Dragons should be bought by either the Japanese or Koreans.

Hah! Now that reminds me of the South Park joke where Star Wars should be sold to China instead of Disney.

A license transfer is not going to happen before Hasbro is done destroying the brand.

[Thomas Eichhorst]

Originally posted by Banelord:

As a longtime fan of Dungeons&Dragons, I have witnessed both its peaks and disappointing troughs. Recent years under Wizards of the Coast (WotC) have seen the franchise stray from its roots, much to the dismay of many in the community.

In this context, the idea of Larian Studios acquiring D&D sparks not just interest but hope. And here is why.

I firmly believe Larian Studios, known for its dedication to core roleplaying game elements, could bring D&D back to its foundational principles. Under WotC, the franchise has often felt diluted, catering more to broader market trends than to its core fans. Larians track record with games like "Divinity: Original Sin" shows a commitment to immersive storytelling and deep character development, aspects that D&D desperately needs to reembrace. We need a return to core RPG elements, and Larian can do it.

Moving on, Larian Studios has earned a reputation for respecting and engaging with its fan base, a STARK contrast to WotCs recent approach. Many fans, myself included, have felt increasingly alienated by WotCs decisions, which often seem driven by market analytics rather than genuine engagement with the community. Thats why I believe that Larians acquisition would restore the sense of community and belonging that has been seriously eroding under WotC.

One of Larian strengths is its ability to innovate without losing sight of tradition; a balance that I feel D&D has struggled with lately. It is my strong belief that Larians approach to game design, which blends classic RPG mechanics with modern sensibilities, could breathe new life into D&D while staying true to what made the franchise great in the first place. The innovative approach, while strictly honoring franchize's tradition and the established lore, is exactly what I feel we need, and Larian did this so great in BG3.

Under WotC, and consequently Hasbro, D&D has often seemed to me like a small cog in a large corporate machine, with decisions driven more by profit margins than by creative vision. Larian, being an independent studio with a clear and obvious passion for RPGs, could free D&D from these constraints, allowing for more creative "risks" and a return to a more authentic, fan focused approach. And after teh resounding success with BG3, I believe in Larian's strength to break free from corporate constraints now.

Finally, Larian acquiring D&D could symbolize a fresh start for the franchise. Its an opportunity to reset, to reevaluate what D&D should be about AND to rebuild trust with a fan base that feels increasingly disillusioned. Its not just about new games or merchandise; it's reviving a community and a legacy. An unique opportunity not seen since Black Isle's days.

As a fan, the prospect of Larian Studios acquiring D&D is more than just a company transaction.

It is a beacon of hope for a franchise that has lost its way.

To me, it represents the possibility of a D&D that:

- honors its past,
- listens to its fans, and
- isn't afraid to innovate.

If you share these sentiments, I encourage you to spread this idea across forums and social networks. Lets unite our voices to advocate for a change that could revive the heart and soul of Dungeons & Dragons.

agree and support 100 percent! pls do

[yahboi1988]

Hasbro will not sell one of the only 2 properties that actually bring in any cash. They will milk it for all the good will it has and burn it to the ground before they ever consider selling it.

[Lani]

One of Larian's strengths is knowing where their strengths lie, computer game development.
This does not qualify them to be custodian of a sprawling international IP like DnD which is currently still a predominantly book selling business.
Hasbro would be wise to sell off DnD but WoTC will try to hold on to the digital side of things. D&D Beyond and that DnDOne virtual tabletop stuff (where Larian could technically become a competitor if they wished and no legalities keep them from doing so) as that's the sort of subscription milking that they brought those Microsoft execs who thought the OpenGL would be revokable on board for.

Also, shame on you for not properly crediting the Roll For Combat channel...

[Woke Buster]

Do you think all the wokeness was added in BG3 because of WotC?

[Jaeleth]

Originally posted by Banelord:

[...]
One of Larian strengths is its ability to innovate without losing sight of tradition; a balance that I feel D&D has struggled with lately. It is my strong belief that Larians approach to game design, which blends classic RPG mechanics with modern sensibilities, could breathe new life into D&D while staying true to what made the franchise great in the first place. The innovative approach, while strictly honoring franchize's tradition and the established lore, is exactly what I feel we need, and Larian did this so great in BG3.
[...]

I'm not sure I agree with Larian's following DnD tradition... I mean, sure, they did a great job in BG3 regarding following 5e rules to the last bit (as far as I know) and, technically, implementing complex, intertwined, quests without making the software an unplayable mess plus, moat important, selling a single, complete product, and not a buy DLC trap.... But in terms of role play and canon they left a few holes unplugged... And re-wrote some important, historical, characters...

[Banelord]

Originally posted by User-315-708:

Do you think all the wokeness was added in BG3 because of WotC?

I do think that WotC played a significant role in this aspect of BG3. However, it seems like Larian managed to keep it within tolerable norms, while staying true to the lore of Faerun, at least to my trained eye. This is exactly why I think Larian's acquisition of D&D could be a real game-changer. Free from those corporate shackles, who knows what they could achieve?

[Stormwind]

Originally posted by アンジェル:

Originally posted by ✙205🍉🐆→:

Europeans should not be allowed to buy Dungeons and Dragons from the WOtC at all, they will add politics that surrounds them, Dungeons and Dragons should be bought by either the Japanese or Koreans.

Hah! Now that reminds me of the South Park joke where Star Wars should be sold to China instead of Disney.

A license transfer is not going to happen before Hasbro is done destroying the brand.

I don't watch south park anymore but I gotta hear the point of this joke. What did they imply would happen if china bought it instead?

[GriffinPilgrim]

Thing is Larian (to my knowledge) has no experience managing a TTRPG. CRPGs they know but the two don't always match up. Look at what happened when CCP bought White Wolf. Granted Larian are, on the evidence, nowhere near as scummy as CCP but still.

[Banelord]

Originally posted by yahboi1988:

Hasbro will not sell one of the only 2 properties that actually bring in any cash. They will milk it for all the good will it has and burn it to the ground before they ever consider selling it.

Alright, the fact is that Hasbros in a bit of a tough spot moneywise, and theyve got D&D thats cool but not really what theyre all about. Now, there's Larian, that's really good at making CRPGs.

If Hasbro sells D&D to Larian, they get a bunch of cash to help fix their money troubles. Plus, Larian could take D&D to the next level, which is the outcome Im hoping for, and Hasbro might still get a cut from Larians future success without having to do the heavy lifting.

Win Win.

[Banelord]

Originally posted by GriffinPilgrim:

Thing is Larian (to my knowledge) has no experience managing a TTRPG. CRPGs they know but the two don't always match up. Look at what happened when CCP bought White Wolf. Granted Larian are, on the evidence, nowhere near as scummy as CCP but still.

Basically, your right that making computer RPGs, like what Larian does, is different from creating tabletop RPGs, like DnD. Larians good at tehir video game stuff, but running a game thats played with dice and friends around a table would be a new ball game for them.

When CCP bought White Wolf things indeed didn't go so well, which could make folks a bit nervous about Larian handling DnD. But, from what you too can see, and I agree - Larian seems to be a decent company, they MIGHT handle things better.

[yahboi1988]

Another thread that has nothing to do with politics turned into an anti-woke circle jerk by people who claim it's being shoved in their face.

[Mr. Huckleberry]

They haven't "struggled" with understand the core of the game, they are actively abandoning it. They have an abomination of a perspective for a bright future.