Hasbro's Search for a New PR Lead Amidst D&D's 50th Anniversary Debacle
Hasbro is on the hunt for a new Sr Manager, Brand Publicity for Dungeons & Dragons, and it's clear that this role comes with significant challenges. Greg Tito, who previously held the position for nearly a decade, recently left to become Deputy Director of External Affairs for the Washington Secretary of State. Given Tito's liberal leanings, his move into public service aligns with his focus on progressive policies, particularly around inclusion and diversity, which were heavily emphasized during his tenure at Wizards of the Coast.
Tito’s push for Inclusion and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives, however, did not sit well with many longtime fans of D&D. These efforts, while well-intentioned, ended up alienating part of the game's core audience, who felt that WotC was more focused on appeasing corporate trends than honoring the spirit of the game. The culmination of these missteps was evident during D&D's 50th Anniversary, a celebration that fell flat with the fanbase. Instead of being a grand milestone, it was marred by tone-deaf marketing, underwhelming product releases, and a disconnect from the player community.
With Cynthia Williams stepping down as president of WotC and Digital Gaming after a brief two-year tenure, John Hight now faces the daunting task of restoring D&D's reputation. Filling the PR position will be no easy feat. The new manager will need to navigate a tricky landscape, balancing fan relations, product launches, and media coverage, all while trying to recover from the damage caused by previous leadership’s misguided focus on corporate-friendly DEI initiatives.
John Hight has his work cut out for him. If he truly wants to rebuild trust with D&D’s community, here’s a crucial piece of advice: Listen to the gamers, not the corporate push for DEI. The heart of D&D lies in its players, and if the company continues to prioritize external trends over the desires of its fanbase, it risks further alienating the very people who have supported it for decades. Focusing on the core elements that made the game great—creativity, camaraderie, and player-driven stories—will be the only way to guide D&D into a successful future.
