Magic: The Gathering is set to announce new crossings with other popular fantasy properties, including Lord of the Rings and Warhammer 40,000. Hasbro will announce crossovers today at an investor event, along with a reorganization that will make Wizards of the Coast its own division. The Wall Street Journal was the first to report the news that Warhammer 40,000 and Lord of the Rings both will come to Magic: The Gathering, with Lord of the Rings getting a complete expansion. It is currently unclear whether Warhammer 40,000 will have a full expansion as well, or if this is a secret crossover-like drop with Living Dead.
Wizards of the Coast had a great 2020, generating more than $ 800 million in revenue thanks to the Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons. The Hasbro division is on track to double its revenue between 2018 and 2023 thanks to a boom in its two main properties. While Magic: The Gathering found a new popularity due to the growth of digital Magic: The Gathering Arena games, Dungeons and Dragons added millions of new fans thanks to an accessible set of rules and greater exposure in pop culture. Notably, the two brands have also had several crosses in recent years, with two D&D campaign scenario books published based on Magic: The Gathering settings and a close Magic: The Gathering set of cards based on the D&D Forgotten Realms configuration that will arrive later this summer.
Under Hasbro’s reorganization, the new Wizards & Digital division will house the assets of Wizards of the Coast with an emphasis on expanding existing games, creating new ones and overseeing digital licensing. The other divisions will be a division of consumer projects covering toys, while the entertainment area will take care of the licensing, distribution and production of film and television content.
Several new video games will also be announced today.