A New Arcane Odyssey in the D&D Universe
During the 2025 Game Awards, Wizards of the Coast unveiled Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons, an ambitious dark fantasy epic that shifts the iconic tabletop lore into an open-world action experience. Set to launch in 2027, the title places players in the role of a formidable spellcaster locked in a desperate struggle against primordial evil.
Developed by Invoke Studios, the game follows the journey of Kaatri, a battle-hardened warrior who strikes a precarious bargain with otherworldly entities to secure the magical prowess needed to vanquish her foes. The protagonist is brought to life by the voice of Tricia Helfer, known for her roles in Battlestar Galactica and Lucifer. According to Jeff Hattam, Vice President and Creative Director at Invoke, the Warlock was the standout choice for a protagonist due to the class’s unique intersection of eldritch power and magnetic personality.
“One aspect that always intrigued me about Warlocks is their reliance on high Charisma to fuel their destructive capabilities,” Hattam explained. He noted that the team wanted to explore the psyche of a person capable of persuading some of the most cosmic, powerful beings in Dungeons & Dragons to share their secrets. This fascination with the silver-tongued spellcaster served as the creative catalyst for the entire project.
Hattam emphasizes that Kaatri represents a departure from the “pointy-hat wizard” trope, offering a grittier, more visceral narrative than typical fantasy fare. However, magic remains the fundamental heartbeat of the game. Players will utilize rituals, spells, and arcane abilities not just for combat, but as essential tools for navigating the environment, solving ancient puzzles, and uncovering the world’s deep-seated mysteries.
Crucially, while it is firmly rooted in D&D lore, Warlock pivots away from traditional RPG mechanics. This is a third-person action experience with a focused, character-driven story rather than the branching, choice-heavy path seen in titles like Baldur’s Gate 3. While Kaatri will meet various companions, the journey is hers alone to lead. Invoke Studios is keeping the finer details of the open world under wraps for now, but they teased that magical exploration and a variety of side quests will be central to the gameplay loop.
Fans can look forward to the first gameplay reveal for Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons next summer. The game is currently slated for a 2027 release on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
