Wizards of the Coast president John Hight is stepping down from his role effective 1 September 2026, according to a US Securities and Exchange Commission filing. The departure comes as a surprise given the Hasbro-owned company's record-breaking performance under his leadership, and just days before major announcements are expected at the Dungeons & Dragons Vision Keynote at GenCon 2026.

Hight joined Wizards of the Coast in 2024, succeeding Cynthia Williams, after previously serving as executive producer and general manager for Blizzard Entertainment's Warcraft franchise. During his two-year tenure, the company posted its most successful fiscal year in 2025, with revenue up 45% year-on-year, while Magic: The Gathering alone brought in record annual revenues of $1.72 billion, a 59% rise, and recently topped $500 million in quarterly revenue for the first time. Speculation suggests the move may be linked to a $56 million impairment charge against Wizards' video game portfolio following the cancellation of several planned titles, leaving Warlock as the only confirmed D&D game still in development. Hight will remain with the company in an advisory capacity while Wizards searches for his successor.