John Hight, who took the helm as president of Wizards of the Coast two years ago, is set to leave his position. The former Blizzard executive will transition to a transitional advisory services agreement with Hasbro, remaining in his current role until September 1, after which he will serve as an advisor to the CEO for one year, unless terminated earlier.
Hight's tenure at Wizards of the Coast, where he oversaw publishing and development for Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons, began in 2024 shortly after his departure from Blizzard Entertainment, where he had spent nearly 13 years. His departure follows a challenging period for Hasbro's videogame division, which recently recorded a $56 million impairment due to the cancellation of multiple projects slated for release in 2028 and beyond. One confirmed cancellation is a D&D game from Giant Skull studio, and a big-budget G.I. Joe game announced in 2021 is also reportedly in jeopardy.
Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks has previously stated that 2026 is expected to be the company's peak year for digital investment, with a goal to reduce digital spending by at least 25% by 2028. This strategic shift may have influenced Hight's position, as his role included overseeing the development of original and licensed video games based on Hasbro's broader brand portfolio.
Despite these recent developments, Wizards of the Coast issued a statement affirming the strength of its business. The company expressed gratitude for Hight's leadership and contributions, noting that he will continue to support Wizards in an advisory capacity. Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons are reported to be performing exceptionally well, and the company's upcoming videogame slate for 2027 remains on track. Wizards of the Coast has initiated an internal and external search for Hight's successor.