Wizards, Hasbro and Atari Settle D&D Dispute: Neverwinter PC Game Delayed

Elliott MillerSep 15, 2011

Just announced today: Wizards of the Coast, Atari, and Hasbro have settled their disputes in regards to the Dungeons and Dragons brand. I didn’t realize there was a dispute, but it looks like unfortunately there will be a crimp in the plan to release the Neverwinter PC game until late 2012. Here is the official press release:

August 15, 2011 (Renton, WA) – Wizards of the Coast LLC, Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) and Atari, S.A. announced today the settlement and resolution of the complaint against Atari, S.A. and the counterclaims filed by Atari, S.A. against Hasbro, Inc. filed in December 2009 in regards to the Dungeons & Dragons brand.

Digital licensing rights for Dungeons & Dragons have been returned to Hasbro. Atari will continue to develop and market several games under license from Hasbro and Wizards, including the #1 Xbox LIVE® hit Dungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale and the upcoming Heroes of Neverwinter for Facebook. Additional settlement details remain private.

In addition, the acquisition of Cryptic Studios by Perfect World Entertainment Inc. from Atari in July 2011 has delayed the Neverwinter PC Game scheduled for release later this year. Perfect World will be investing in a more immersive experience for release in late 2012.