White Wolf, the entity responsible for licensing and publishing the World of Darkness universe, has announced Jess Lanzillo as the new Creative Director of the franchise. Her arrival comes at a pivotal moment, as the company brings the brand back in-house to ensure more cohesive and high-quality experiences within its iconic modern horror setting.

With a career spanning major industry names, Lanzillo served as Vice President of Franchise and Product for Dungeons & Dragons at Wizards of the Coast, and previously held creative leadership roles on Magic: The Gathering. Her proven track record in developing beloved properties, while preserving their core identity, positions her as a strategic addition to World of Darkness's continued expansion.

A devoted player since the original release of Vampire: The Masquerade in 1991, Lanzillo combines her long-time passion with deep experience in translating community voices into creative direction. As Creative Director, she will lead the narrative vision and IP development across various media, including TTRPGs, video games, and other formats, while ensuring the brand's gothic and modern essence remains strong and true to its roots.

"World of Darkness has been my creative north star since the '90s, and I’ve seen firsthand how these games create communities and inspire storytellers,” said Lanzillo. “My focus is on supporting and amplifying what makes these worlds special—the rich lore, player agency, and mature themes—while ensuring they reach everyone who would love them."

For Marco Behrmann, White Wolf’s Executive Vice President, the hire marks a decisive step in the studio’s new phase. “Jess is a world-class Creative Director with deep experience in transmedia properties and a sharp instinct for audience-first storytelling. Her arrival is key to guiding our creative vision with strength and clarity, and reinforces Paradox’s long-term commitment to White Wolf’s future.”

Operating as an independent publishing and licensing entity within Paradox Interactive, White Wolf oversees all transmedia products set in the franchise’s universe. With Paradox’s support, the studio enters a new era, aiming to unify its legacy and expand its narrative-driven horror brand even further.