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The Growth of D&D

Beginnings & Businesses

Emerging from the minds of Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, D&D was published by TSR (Tactical Studies Rules) alongside Don Kaye in 1973. In 1990 the company was purchased by Magic the Gathering creator Wizards of the Coast, as it remains today. In 1999 Wizards of the Coast was acquired by Hasbro, providing a greater distribution of miniatures and further promoting this collaborative dice-rolling-hobby. D&D ultimately discovered success, but its journey wasn’t without darker days.

Wizards of the Coast LogoTSR Logo

Trouble Brewing in the Past

  •  Satanic Panic Kindled striking the minds of concerned parents due to the game being attributed to the disappearance of a suicidal 16-year-old boy who suffered drug addiction and depression.
  • Conservative Curses Ignited from yet another parent who lost their child to suicide. Patricia Pulling tried to sue her son’s principal for running his D&D game, but when the courts dismissed her case, she launched a campaign to demoralize and demonize the RPG (role-playing game).
  • Media Coverage Exploded due to widespread concern thereby misleading readers and viewers alike, temporarily nullifying the game’s intended purpose and impact.

"Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?"
Ironically, these parents and organizations who were lost in the confusion about the game assumed that all of its players were lost in their respective D&D worlds, unable to distinguish fantasy vs reality.

Cast Under Its Spell

After the panic subsided D&D shifted into resurgence. While in the midst of a highly technological world the old pen-and-paper RPG found familiarity and unity among experts and newcomers alike.

Mainstream icons such as: Vin Diesel, Drew Barrymore, Dwayne Johnson, Terry Crews, and Stephen Colbert emerged professing their enjoyment of the role-playing game. Numerous stars have even broadcasted their involvement via their YouTube channels or have even made appearances on other gaming networks such as Geek and Sundry.

Popular television shows have showcased D&D as well, such as:

Big Bang Theory / Futurama / Gravity Falls /  Stranger Things

3 boys playing D&D from the show Stranger Things

Each of these affiliations have created a surge of interest in the game and a more accepted atmosphere surrounding D&D. One that is not instantly envisioned as Satanic or solely for boys hunkered in a dark basement, but an open and friendly environment where anyone from any age or background may craft imaginative stories in unity.

Surging Digital Presence

With D&D recently leaning into the online-streaming community, there is now an ever-growing collection of gaming sessions and tutorials hosted for audiences to login and witness from anywhere across the globe. With a plethora of games hosted through podcasts, YouTube videos, or the Twitch streaming platform. Many newcomers may find it easier to comprehend how D&D works by simply watching a session or two unfold—It certainly worked for me!

Critical Role's Legend of Vox Machina Cartoon

Popular live-stream/on-demand options:

  • Critical Role – A group of nerdy voice actors who gather weekly to play D&D. They have found great success in the community with a massive fanbase supporting them every step along their epic journey. They recently received over $1Million on Kickstarter to create a cartoon rendition from their 1st game that will be hosted on Amazon Prime in 2021.
  • CelbriD&D – Features a collection of celebrities playing D&D together. This particular episode features Terry Crews playing alongside a band of voice actors.
  • Live D&D with Acquisitions Incorporated – Showcases a smattering of quests featuring a band of business adventurers played in front of live audiences at PAX (Penny Arcade Expo)—a convention celebrating gaming and gaming culture.

Popular introduction and tutorial series:

 
       

   

              

          Private games tend to be hosted through Skype, Zoom, Discord, or Google Hangouts. But D&D is not limited to this, there are even communities that play the game through website postings via text format only—Role Gate is a great example!

These are only a handful of references and methods you can utilize to experience the game. D&D is an expansive journey where you personally explore and discover the best format for your preferred playstyle!

Next Up: Tools of the Trade (Player Edition)

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