Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast have announced a new initiative for Dungeons & Dragons dubbed “Universes Beyond.” Revealed during the keynote presentation at Gen Con 2026, the strategy involves integrating third-party intellectual properties into the D&D tabletop system, mirroring a similar expansion strategy used for Magic: The Gathering since 2021.
Upcoming Crossover Expansions
The first major release under this banner is Dungeons & Dragons: World of Warcraft. This expansion will be released as a full book featuring an adventure module centered on the iconic Lich King. Additionally, the company teased a Star Wars-themed expansion set to launch in 2027.
Focus on Original Settings
Despite the shift toward third-party crossovers, Wizards of the Coast also unveiled “D&D Icons” at Gen Con. This initiative is dedicated to reviving established, long-running Dungeons & Dragons campaign settings. Confirmed settings returning under this project include:
- Ravenloft
- Greyhawk
- Dark Sun
Corporate Stance on AI
The announcement follows recent internal friction regarding the development of the game. In March 2025, Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks expressed a desire to integrate generative AI into Dungeons & Dragons, specifically for creating storylines, character voices, and artwork. However, current policy at Wizards of the Coast prohibits artists and writers from using generative AI tools to create final D&D products, citing the importance of human innovation in the game's 50-year history.