New Montreal Studio Signals a Bold D&D Push
In a move set to reshape Montreal’s video game landscape, Wizards of the Coast, the Hasbro subsidiary behind the Dungeons & Dragons universe, announced plans to open a new studio in downtown Montreal by the summer of 2026. The facility will focus on developing the Dungeons & Dragons franchise across multiple formats, including video games, tabletop experiences, and potential film projects. Over the next three years, the studio aims to hire around 200 new employees, underscoring Montreal’s status as a global hub for creative gaming talent.
Leadership Ties to Montreal
The project is led by Dan Ayoub, a veteran of the industry who has worked with major studios such as Electronic Arts and Ubisoft. Ayoub, who began his career in Montreal nearly 30 years ago, was recently named head of the Dungeons & Dragons initiative. He framed the expansion as a homecoming, noting that Montreal’s talent, creativity, and passion make it an ideal environment for telling immersive stories and building engaging player experiences.
Strategic Location and Local Momentum
The new studio will be located in the city’s core, adjacent to Invoke Studios, which Wizards of the Coast acquired in 2019. The proximity to another established game studio is expected to foster collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas as the company grows its digital footprint. Government and regional partners have also shown strong support for the project, with Montreal International and Investissement Québec assisting in the development process.
Economic Backing and Industry Context
Montreal International’s Stéphane Paquet emphasized the city’s thriving game ecosystem, noting that Quebec hosts about 250 studios and approximately 15,000 highly skilled professionals who contribute to a wide range of AAA titles. The announcement reflects a sustained confidence in Quebec’s ability to attract major players in the gaming space, even as the global industry navigates a period of adjustment. The Québec game development community, represented by the Guilde du jeu vidéo du Québec, welcomed the news, calling it a positive sign for the province’s ongoing appeal to major franchises.
The D&D Angle: What the Studio Will Tackle
Donjons et Dragons has a storied history in gaming and entertainment, with D&D-branded titles already making waves in the video game world. The Montreal studio is being positioned to explore a broad slate of formats that extend beyond tabletop play, including digital experiences tied to the D&D universe and potential film adaptations. While Baldur’s Gate III—developed by Larian Studios (which operates a studio in Quebec) and crowned 2023’s Game of the Year—has driven renewed interest in the franchise, it remains to be seen whether the Montreal studio will contribute to a fourth Baldur’s Gate project or pursue new D&D projects. Larian has indicated they will not be directly involved with a Baldur’s Gate IV, keeping option space open for Wizards of the Coast’s new Canadian facility.
Implications for Quebec’s Gaming Scene
The Montreal project reinforces the region’s standing as a magnet for top-tier game development talent and high-growth creative industries. The influx of jobs and the expanded creative pipeline are expected to boost local studios, suppliers, and training programs, while strengthening Montreal’s role as a hub for narrative-driven, immersive experiences. The newly formed studio’s cadence of recruitment over three years will likely create opportunities for graduates, contractors, and mid-career professionals alike, contributing to a robust local economy and a more diverse range of projects for a worldwide audience.
What Comes Next
As the studio takes shape, Montreal residents and industry observers will watch closely to see how Wizards of the Coast balances the legacy of D&D with bold, new storytelling formats. Ayoub’s leadership signals a commitment to building a world where the famous tabletop franchise expands through video games, film, and other media—an approach that could redefine how the brand engages players in Quebec and beyond. With government partners and the strong local ecosystem backing the effort, the Montreal studio is positioned to become a cornerstone of Wizards of the Coast’s long-term strategy for the D&D universe.
Notes on the Future of D&D in Montreal
Until projects take concrete form, the team will continue to grow, collaborate with local studios, and explore partnerships that leverage Montreal’s proven expertise in narrative-driven games. The city’s allure remains clear: a dynamic talent pool, supportive public institutions, and a thriving creative culture ready to welcome the next chapter of the D&D brand.
