Hasbro has spent $1bn on video games, none of them are live service

May 21, 2026 - 02:36

Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks has revealed that the company has invested over $1 billion in video game development, yet none of those projects have been live service games. In a recent statement, Cocks explained that Wizards of the Coast, the division behind Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering, will instead focus on premium, AAA experiences.

The disclosure comes as Hasbro continues to expand its digital footprint, with Cocks emphasizing a deliberate strategy to avoid the ongoing trend of games-as-a-service models. He argued that the company's strength lies in creating high-quality, complete products rather than chasing recurring revenue through microtransactions or seasonal content. This approach, he said, aligns better with the brand's core audience, which values deep narrative and polished gameplay over persistent online engagement.

The $1 billion figure covers a range of projects, including the upcoming D&D role-playing game from Larian Studios and a new Magic: The Gathering title. Cocks noted that while live service games can be profitable, they often require constant updates and community management that can dilute the creative vision. Instead, Hasbro plans to double down on single-player and cooperative experiences that deliver a finished product at launch.

This stance contrasts with many major publishers, who have increasingly pushed for live service models to generate long-term revenue. For Hasbro, the bet is that premium games will build stronger brand loyalty and attract players who are tired of the grind associated with persistent online worlds. The company's next major release, a Dungeons & Dragons game currently in development, is expected to showcase this philosophy when it launches.