In March 2021, Bellevue-based game development studio Hidden Path Entertainment (known mainly for Defense Grid and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive) announced it was working on a third-person open world AAA RPG based on the D&D license. At the time, the developer was still recruiting for key roles, such as Graphics Programmer, Lead Graphics Programmer, Senior Technical Artist, and Writer.
It was an exciting project, as we had never had a true open world D&D RPG. Unfortunately, the game never materialized. In January 2023, Dungeons and Dragons license holder Wizards of the Coast canceled several games, including a game in development at Otherside and Hidden Path's open world title. Intriguingly, at that time, Hidden Path denied that the project was already dead as they tried to find other funding sources. However, it ultimately had to resign itself in February 2024, when the studio also laid off 44 employees.
Although we may never play the game ourselves, we can now at least take a look at it. MP1st discovered the portfolio of a former employee, which included several details and even some gameplay footage of a mission, which you can find embedded below.
The D&D open world RPG was codenamed Project Dante. The gameplay seemed very similar to a regular third-person action RPG, with stealth mechanics on display as well. The player character was accompanied by two companions, as befitting a Dungeons & Dragons title.
There's also an IMGUR gallery featuring concept art for the canceled game. You can browse it below.
Despite this cancellation, D&D gaming fans have plenty of other projects to look forward to:
- Demeo x DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Battlemarked (out this year)
- Cooperative multiplayer game made by Starbreeze and scheduled for 2026
- The new game from Invoke (the studio behind Dark Alliance)
- The freshly announced D&D action/adventure game in development at Giant Skull.
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