Hasbro CEO Takes Direct Control of Wizards of the Coast Following John Hight's Departure
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks has taken direct control of Wizards of the Coast following the departure of president John Hight, placing key Magic and D&D leadership under his immediate oversight during an ongoing search for a successor.
Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks has stepped in to take direct oversight of Wizards of the Coast following the departure of president John Hight. Hight officially transitioned into a one-year advisory role, leaving the existing leadership team for Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons to report straight to the top. As reported by Polygon, Hasbro has not yet announced a permanent successor or set a timeline for finding a new president, opting instead for a temporary direct-reporting structure under Cocks.
This leadership shakeup arrives during a major operational pivot for Hasbro's gaming division. During a recent earnings call, Cocks outlined a tighter strategy focused on core properties like Magic, D&D, Arena, and D&D Beyond, alongside a $56 million write-down that trimmed several projects slated for 2028 and beyond. At the same time, the company is doubling down on massive crossover initiatives, including the upcoming World of Warcraft collaboration for D&D and newly posted job listings for a dedicated Universes Beyond team.
For players and digital economies, this move cements gaming as the primary engine driving Hasbro's broader business model. Cocks previously served as president of Wizards from 2016 to 2022 before taking the helm at Hasbro, meaning the company's biggest properties are now under the direct guidance of an executive intimately familiar with their digital and physical ecosystems. As upcoming releases like Exodus and Warlock remain on track, the tabletop and digital communities will be watching closely to see how this executive consolidation shapes the future of their favorite franchises.
Tags: Tabletop, Digital Gaming, Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, Industry News
Original article: Polygon