Wizards of the Coast set up a video game studio

Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons publisher Wizards of the Coast has established a video game studio led by Dragon Age’s former executive producer.

Christian Dailey, who announced his departure from Bioware in February, will serve as vice president and head of the studio at Skeleton Key – a new Austin, Texas-based game development studio working on a AAA project.

“I am excited to be starting this new adventure with the company that has created so many of my favourite toys and games growing up,” Dailey said. “Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast have been a huge influence on me. Their brands have inspired my pursuit of a lifelong career in video games. We are looking forward to growing our studio team with more talented creators who share our passion.”

“Wizards of the Coast have been a huge influence on me. Their brands have inspired my pursuit of a lifelong career in video games.”

President of Wizards of the Coast and digital gaming Cynthia Williams added that the team is “thrilled to continue to build our roster of exceptionally talented digital gaming leaders. We will greatly benefit from the experience that this team and new video game studio bring to Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro.”

Skeleton Key is one of several studios Wizards of the Coast has established in recent years, joining Archetype Entertainment, Atomic Arcade, Tuque Games, and more.

The studio didn’t reveal any more details about what it’s working on, but it will likely be years before anything is announced as it’s only just been formed.

While Wizards has established a number of studios, its most recent high-profile game – Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance – was not well received. Our review noted that Tuque Games had created a “bland, boring trek through repetitive encounters.” Let’s hope Skeleton Key makes something more impressive.

Source: IGN