D&D Gambling Deal and the RP Community

While wandering through the multitudinous ecosystems of the internet for research, I came across a bit of news so evocative that I ditched the regularly scheduled content plan (my apologies to the effort of our Marketing Horde!) and put together a video (hyperlink https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0hV7IDs77U) and blog.

What could be so interesting/disappointing, you ask? Well, it’s a little something that involves our “friends” at Wizards of the Coast (WOTC) and their parent company Hasbro. They seem to have an affinity for finding ways to annoy/discourage/frustrate/enrage their fans, and this latest bit of news seems par the course. According to this (hyperlink https://igamingbusiness.com/company-news/games-global-unveils-exciting-partnership-with-hasbro/) article on IGB, “Games Global, a leading supplier of igaming content, has partnered with leading toy and game company Hasbro and its Wizards of the Coast division.”

So...what’s the big deal?

While this partnership will not directly affect those in the RP world, Hasbro is sending a clear message that they are willing to use the IPs in their divisions to whatever ends brings money, whether it aligns with the values of the existing communities or their fans. Games Global is a company that specializes in internet gambling and slots, and while the gambling industry has shown itself to be lucrative, it also comes with the dangers of addiction and financial destruction.

The company of Hasbro, and the WOTC division itself, is marketed to people of various ages which includes teenagers, and I wonder if it really is wise or even ethical to leverage this IP to draw in this particular consumer base into the realm of gambling games.

At the end of the day, Hasbro is a company operating in a capitalistic system. Their end-goal is to make money for the company, and they will decide how far to go in accomplishing that. As the consumer of their products we have the choice in how much we want to support companies like this, especially if they are moving in directions we don’t agree with.

Now, after trudging through this Swamp of Unfortunate News, I’d like to offer a glimmer of hope and encouragement! There is a special beauty to role-playing in that we are not beholden to any particular system, style, company, or brand. You can choose to play the edition and ruleset that YOU like.

RP is much more that what these stupid corporations do. The power is in the PEOPLE and in the stories that we create.

Back to the wilderness of internet research I go! Be sure to let us know what your thoughts are on this news, or feel free to send any news that you might find interesting and timely.

Credit: Written by Meraki Forest