Hasbro Plants a New Flag in Montreal for Wizards of the Coast
Hasbro has opened a fresh game studio in Montreal under the Wizards of the Coast umbrella. The new unit will be called Wizards of the Coast Studios. It aims to hire about 200 people over three years. The hub will work with Invoke Studios, a Hasbro-owned team, to build a central studio focused on Dungeons & Dragons content and Wizards of the Coast’s digital games lineup. The grand opening is planned for summer 2026.
Strong Leadership With Deep Roots
Montreal native Dan Ayoub will lead the studio. He studied at Concordia and spent years at Microsoft, including time with Halo’s former studio, 343. More recently, he has steered D&D digital products and was named Global Play Lead for the D&D brand early this year. His track record blends big console work with online play, making him a natural fit for a new digital push.
What Could End Up Here?
Details on exact projects remain under wraps. Still, the studio’s ties to other Hasbro projects hint at bold plans. Archetype Entertainment’s Exodus, a Texas-based sci‑fi shooter, is led by veterans from BioWare Edmonton; those vets once worked on Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Mass Effect. Wizards of the Coast also anchors Magic: The Gathering, the company’s flagship card game, so fans might see surprises tied to that property at the Montreal hub.
A Growing D&D Corridor in Quebec
The move reinforces Quebec’s thriving game scene, a roughly $1.5 billion sector. Gameloft Montreal, part of Disney Dreamlight Valley’s lineage, is reportedly developing a mysterious D&D project. It blends survival, life sim, and action elements with cooperative play. Larian Studios, creator of Baldur’s Gate 3, runs a Quebec City team that contributes to the beloved RPG. The region is becoming a key hub for D&D-based games and related digital experiences.
Why This Matters for Fans and Players
Bringing Wizards of the Coast Studios to Montreal signals a stronger push to expand digital D&D content. The choice also shows Hasbro’s willingness to grow its in-house talent and partner studios to push new online and cross‑platform games. Fans could see more online tools, new adventures, and perhaps fresh takes on familiar worlds tied to the D&D universe and Magic: The Gathering.
A Snapshot of the Local Game Landscape
Quebec already hosts a lively mix of studios and studios’ tools. The Montreal region has long drawn big-name publishers, plus indie studios that thrive on shared tech, online services, and cross‑franchise work. The addition of Wizards of the Coast Studios sits well with this environment and could accelerate more co‑op projects across the province.
People, Places, and Projects
Ayoub’s leadership aligns with a push to blend traditional game design with modern digital delivery. His background with Halo’s early days and later D&D online work bridges both console and PC audiences. The Montreal studio’s size and reach imply ambitious goals, with a focus on content that can live across screens and services.
Connecting D&D with Quebec’s Tech Scene
The Montreal game studio hub will likely lean on local talent and ties to Invoke Studios. It creates a bridge between Hasbro’s toy-to-game ecosystem and the growing cyber‑world of D&D‑themed digital titles. The plan signals a long-term strategy to keep D&D front and center in a competitive market.
Industry Context and Nearby Talent
The region’s existing teams provide a strong foundation. Archetype Entertainment and their Exodus project show a direct link to the broader world of sci‑fi RPGs. Larian’s Quebec City crew helps bring in RPG expertise that could feed into new, story-driven experiences. The mix of veterans and fresh faces makes the Montreal hub a fertile ground for creative output.
What to Expect Next
Fans should stay tuned for announcements as the studio grows. The team will likely build a slate of digital games tied to D&D and beyond. With Dan Ayoub at the helm, the studio intends to push coordinated efforts with Invoke Studios and Hasbro’s larger digital strategy. The opening in summer 2026 will mark a new chapter for D&D’s digital footprint in North America.
Visuals and Acknowledgments
Image credit: Wizards of the Coast. Via: Montreal International.
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