What Happened
Jeremy Crawford and Chris Perkins, two prominent figures in the development of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), have transitioned from their long-standing roles at Wizards of the Coast to join Critical Role Productions’ game division, Darrington Press. This move, announced on June 16, 2025, marks a significant shift in the tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) landscape, as both designers have been instrumental in shaping the modern iterations of D&D, particularly its 5th edition and the recent updates for the game’s 50th anniversary.
Crawford served as the principal rules designer, while Perkins held the position of senior story designer at Wizards of the Coast for many years. Their departure from the company earlier this year raised questions among fans about their future endeavors. The decision to join Critical Role, which began as a web series featuring voice actors playing D&D and has since expanded into a multifaceted entertainment company, is seen as a strategic move to further enhance the creative output of Darrington Press.
Key Details
- Background of Crawford and Perkins: Jeremy Crawford joined Wizards of the Coast in 2007, and Chris Perkins has been with the company since 1997. Both have played pivotal roles in the design and direction of D&D, particularly during the development of its 4th and 5th editions.
- Critical Role’s Expansion: Critical Role has evolved from a streaming platform into a significant player in the tabletop gaming industry, producing not only games but also animated series and other media. The hiring of Crawford and Perkins is part of its broader strategy to enhance its game publishing arm, Darrington Press.
- Statements from Leadership: Travis Willingham, CEO of Critical Role, described Crawford and Perkins as “visionaries” who have greatly influenced TTRPG design. Both designers expressed excitement about their new roles, with Perkins emphasizing a return to storytelling and Crawford highlighting the importance of inclusivity in gaming.
Multiple Perspectives
The reactions to Crawford and Perkins’ move have varied across the gaming community. Supporters of Critical Role view this as a significant coup that could elevate the quality of games produced by Darrington Press. Willingham’s comments reflect a belief that the expertise of Crawford and Perkins will enhance the company’s creative endeavors, potentially leading to innovative game concepts and mechanics.
Conversely, some D&D purists may see this transition as a loss for Wizards of the Coast, given the longstanding contributions of Crawford and Perkins to the game. Their departure may raise concerns about the future direction of D&D, especially as the company navigates its evolving relationship with its player base and the broader gaming community.
Additionally, there are implications regarding the competitive landscape of TTRPGs. With Critical Role’s growing influence and the addition of key figures from D&D, the dynamics between established publishers like Wizards of the Coast and emerging competitors may shift, leading to increased innovation and competition in the market.
Context & Background
Dungeons & Dragons has experienced a resurgence in popularity over the past decade, largely attributed to the rise of streaming platforms and actual-play shows like Critical Role. This revival has not only attracted new players but has also fostered a more diverse gaming community. The hiring of Crawford and Perkins aligns with ongoing discussions in the industry about inclusivity and the importance of welcoming new players into the TTRPG space.
Critical Role’s expansion into game publishing through Darrington Press reflects a broader trend where successful media franchises are diversifying their offerings. The integration of experienced designers from D&D into this framework suggests a commitment to maintaining high standards in game design while exploring new narratives and gameplay mechanics.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While the announcement of Crawford and Perkins joining Darrington Press has generated considerable excitement, specific details regarding their roles and the projects they will undertake remain unclear. It is not yet known what new games or expansions they will develop or how their vision will influence the existing Darrington Press portfolio.
Furthermore, the long-term implications of this transition for both Wizards of the Coast and Critical Role are still unfolding. As the TTRPG market continues to evolve, it will be important to observe how these changes impact player engagement, community dynamics, and the overall direction of tabletop gaming in the coming years.
In conclusion, the move of Jeremy Crawford and Chris Perkins to Critical Role marks a pivotal moment in the TTRPG industry, with potential ramifications for both the future of Dungeons & Dragons and the broader landscape of tabletop gaming.
