Where D&D's New Open-World Video Game Could Take Place
A new Dungeons & Dragons video game is being developed by Hidden Path Entertainment, the makers of Defense Grid. Details are pretty scarce regarding the game right now, although it's been revealed as a third-person, open-world RPG. While it's unknown right now which of D&D's worlds the game is set in, here are some possible settings D&D's new open-world video game could take place in.
A job listing for Hidden Path Entertainment revealed that the Dungeons & Dragons AAA RPG was in the works, but the game appears to be in its earliest stages. Because of this, the setting of the new D&D game aren't known at this time, only that it takes place "in the Dungeons & Dragons universe." D&D has a lot of potential worlds and settings for an open-world game, though, so the possibilities are nearly endless.
Of course, The Forgotten Realms makes a pretty obvious choice for the new D&D open-world game. The majority of 5e campaigns take place here, and the two Dungeons & Dragons games currently in development - Dark Alliance and Baldur's Gate 3 - also take place here. The MMO, Neverwinter, also takes place in The Forgotten Realms. Because of this, the new D&D open-world video game may tread into new territory by taking place in a completely different world.
The Forgotten Realms has been pretty well-traveled at this point, so taking players into a new setting would be ideal for an open-world video game. It would incentivize exploration and allow the game to feel fresh - since it would be showing locations that may not have been shown in video games before. The Eberron setting would make a nice change of pace, with its airships and steampunk aesthetics. The mixture of sci-fi and fantasy could be perfect for an open-world RPG.
Another great option would be D&D's Dragonlance setting, which is one of the oldest and most loved settings in the entire franchise. With a new Dragonlance novel releasing later this year, an open-world RPG in the Dragonlance setting makes a lot of sense. It's been relatively ignored in Dungeons & Dragons 5e, so this could be a great way to reintroduce Dragonlance to a new generation of players.
For now, Hidden Path Entertainment hasn't confirmed where its open-world RPG is taking place. No matter which setting the company goes with, an open-world Dungeon & Dragons video game is still exciting. Hopefully, D&D fans will know more soon - even if the game is a long way off.