Wizards of the Coast, a subsidiary of Hasbro, announced James Ohlen will open a new studio based in Austin, Texas.
Ohlen, a 23-year games industry veteran whose credits include Baldur’s Gate, Baldur’s Gate 2 and Neverwinter Nights, all based on the Dungeons & Dragons universe, will lead the studio’s creative development of new IP.
“I didn’t think that I would be coming back to the game industry so soon but working with Wizards is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” says Ohlen. “Our mutual love of RPGs, world-building, and interactive storytelling is a perfect match.”
“We’re extremely excited to have someone like James join the team at such a critical time in Wizards’ evolution” says Chris Cocks, president of Wizards of the Coast. “James brings experience in creative direction and studio leadership that will prove important as we look to develop compelling new experiences that engage gamers all over the world.”
Wizards of the Coast’s newest subsidiary will focus on the creation of original IP outside of the Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons’ brand.