Wizards of the Coast's Sigil, a high-profile virtual tabletop (VTT) designed to modernize Dungeons & Dragons gameplay with Unreal Engine 5 graphics, has been rocked by layoffs just weeks after its underwhelming launch. Senior writer and designer Andy Collins revealed on LinkedIn that roughly 30 developers (90% of the Sigil team) were let go, including himself, casting doubt on the platform's future.
A Vision Unfulfilled
Positioned as a premium feature for D&D Beyond subscribers, Sigil aimed to replicate the tactile experience of tabletop gaming with 3D miniatures, dynamic lighting, and intricate terrain. However, its February 29 launch drew criticism for lacking polish and tools to streamline gameplay for Dungeon Masters. In an email to staff obtained by Polygon, Dan Rawson, SVP of D&D and Hasbro Direct, acknowledged Sigil as a "high-level goal" for the brand but did not address the cuts.
Wizards confirmed the layoffs to Polygon and emphasized that Sigil remains operational. Blain Howard, senior brand publicity manager, directed inquiries to a landing page for the platform, which still promotes its integration with D&D Beyond.
Employee Backlash and Uncertain Futures
Collins lamented the abrupt end to the team's work, stating:
"I'm disappointed we didn't get to continue toward the full experience we imagined, but happy for the chance to tackle such an intriguing challenge with so many smart, dedicated folks."
The cuts follow broader financial struggles at parent company Hasbro, which laid off 1,100 employees in late 2023. While Sigil stays online, its pared-down team raises questions about Wizards' ability to deliver on its promise of a "graphically sophisticated" VTT—a project once hailed as critical to D&D's digital evolution.