Hasbro Execs Talk Dungeons And Dragons And Open Game License Controversy

Hasbro executives discussed the recent controversy about Dungeons and Dragons changing its open games license (OGL) in a recent earnings call.

According to a report from Gizmodo, the current CEO of Hasbro, and former Wizards of the Coast president, Chris Cocks addressed the negative fan response early in the meeting, saying that "We misfired on updating our open game license." The earnings call provides no new information about Wizards of the Coast's plans, but Cocks did say that, "Our best practice is to work collaboratively with our community, gather feedback, and build experiences that inspire players and creators alike."

In January, a leak revealed that DnD publisher Wizards of the Coast was planning to update its OGL. The new license would more directly restrict what user-created content could exist and be sold without paying royalties. Community backlash was instant and only increased after Wizards released a statement confirming the leak's validity. Eventually, Wizards of the Coast halted updating Dnd's OGL, sticking with the old model for the foreseeable future.

Later in the call, an investor asked if the OGL controversy would affect Q1 returns. Cocks replied that the effects, including canceled DnD Beyond subscriptions, were "relatively minor." DnD also has a big year ahead of it, with the release of the Honor Among Thieves movie, Baldur's Gate 3, and a live-action TV show at Paramount+.