Hasbro invests nearly $1 billion in games and avoids live-service

Hasbro recently revealed that the company has invested nearly $1 billion in its game library since 2018, while largely steering clear of live-service and mobile games. That comes from an interview with CEO Chris Cocks, who said the focus is on high-quality "core games."

Focus on core games

Chris Cocks, Hasbro's CEO, made it clear that instead of investing in mobile and live-service games, the company is focusing on games with 40 to 50 hours of content. The approach is meant to find more success in the mid-tier game segment. Hasbro is also considering diversifying its development studios and potentially shifting some of its focus from North America to lower-cost studios in Eastern Europe.

Hasbro's portfolio

Hasbro, based in Rhode Island, is known as one of the world's largest multimedia conglomerates. The company is the parent of several iconic brands, including Transformers, G.I. Joe, Monopoly, and The Game of Life. Alongside those well-known board game brands, Hasbro also owns major game franchises such as Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons, which are developed by Wizards of the Coast.

Investments and returns

Since 2018, Hasbro has invested nearly $1 billion in games. Despite its focus on core games, the company has also licensed out some mobile games to well-known developers. One example is Monopoly Go, which generated more than $5 billion in revenue by April 2025. The mobile hit has been a huge win for both Hasbro and developer Scopely.

Hasbro's approach reflects a shift in the gaming industry, with the company choosing tradition and content over the latest live-service and mobile game models. This comes amid a period in which the popularity of classic gaming experiences appears to be rising, alongside the expansion of its franchises into new media platforms.

Hasbro is also continuing to build on the success of its other products outside the video game industry. In 2025, Magic: The Gathering had one of its best years ever, helped in part by a crossover with Final Fantasy. The company reported that Monopoly Go brought in $41 million in revenue in the first quarter of 2026, underscoring the lasting appeal of its brands and product lineup.

With its investment in core games and a clear business strategy, Hasbro remains a major player in the gaming industry and the broader entertainment sector. Its ongoing development plans and focus on traditional gaming experiences could attract even more fans in the future.