Wizards of the Coast and Montreal-based Invoke Studios announced the development of Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons. This original third-person, single-player action-adventure game aims to plunge players into a “dark fantasy” open world, offering a visceral interpretation of one of the tabletop game’s most charismatic character classes.
The game casts players as Kaatri, a veteran warrior who has bound herself to a dark power. In Dungeons & Dragons lore, a Warlock is defined by the pact they make with an otherworldly patron (be it a fiend, fey, or old one) in exchange for supernatural abilities. This narrative hook seems central to Warlock, where Kaatri wields “otherworldly magic” to battle foes and navigate a grim setting.
Providing the performance capture for Kaatri is Tricia Helfer, an actor widely recognised in geek culture for her roles as Number Six in Battlestar Galactica and the Goddess of All Creation in Lucifer. Her involvement suggests a strong focus on narrative and character performance, aligning with the current trend of cinematic storytelling in AAA games.
Invoke Studios describes the gameplay as a blend of tactical combat and exploration. Players will use magic not just to destroy enemies, but to solve environmental challenges. Spells act as keys, unlocking new paths in the open world. According to the announcement, the combat will combine spellcasting with melee attacks, encouraging players to push the limits of the magic granted by their pact.
Dominic Guay, General Manager at Invoke, highlighted the creative freedom the studio has been granted. “Working with our colleagues at Wizards of the Coast on a brand as rich as D&D has given the team the creative freedom and support to build a new ambitious open-world experience for players,” Guay said in a statement.
The studio, which includes talent previously associated with franchises such as Far Cry, Watch Dogs, and Deus Ex, appears to be leaning heavily into the “dangerous wonder” of the D&D universe. John Hight, President of Wizards of the Coast, noted that the game explores the cost of power. “Warlocks wield powerful, otherworldly magic, but it always comes at a cost,” Hight said.
While the announcement establishes the tone and protagonist, fans will have a significant wait before they can play. Warlock is currently in development for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox, with a planned 2027 launch. A gameplay debut is not expected until the summer of 2026.
If the concept of making a pact with a dark entity has sparked your imagination for your next tabletop session, you can find a wealth of Warlock character options and supplements on [suspicious link removed]. Alternatively, for those looking to expand their physical D&D merchandise collection while they wait, Zavvi stocks a range of apparel and collectables.
