Critical Role and Dungeons & Dragons Are Shaping the Future of Tabletop Gaming—Here’s What’s Changing
Big changes are shaking up the world of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) as two giants—Critical Role and Wizards of the Coast—start making bold moves that could change the way we play and think about games like Dungeons & Dragons. Both companies are taking new directions, but instead of a rivalry, it’s more like a friendly race to see who can shape the future of TTRPGs first.
- Critical Role hires top D&D designers Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford
- Critical Role launches its own TTRPG, Daggerheart
- Wizards of the Coast reveals a new strategy for Dungeons & Dragons
- Community involvement becomes a focus for both companies
- Industry experts and creators join both teams
Critical Role Expands with New Talent and a New Game
Earlier this year, two of the most well-known names behind Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford, left Wizards of the Coast. Soon after, they joined Darrington Press, which is Critical Role’s publishing arm. Perkins and Crawford are now the creative director and game director at Darrington Press. This move happened right after Critical Role launched its very first TTRPG, called Daggerheart.
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Critical Role, famous for its actual play show that uses Dungeons & Dragons, is now offering fans a new game to try. The team is growing, too. Brennan Lee Mulligan was recently announced as the dungeon master for Critical Role’s fourth campaign, bringing even more star power to the group.
Wizards of the Coast Responds with a New D&D Direction
While Critical Role is busy building its own universe, Wizards of the Coast is not slowing down. On June 30, Dan Ayoub, the new head of Dungeons & Dragons, shared a post on D&D Beyond outlining the company’s new plans. He wrote, “I’m here to open a dialogue with you – the players, Dungeon Masters, live stream watchers, and storytellers.”
According to Ayoub, the new strategy includes:
- The 2024 rules will enhance, not replace, 5e
- The System Reference Document (SRD) will get regular updates
- The Maps virtual tabletop system will be free for all D&D Beyond users starting September 16
- A new advisory group made up of creators, publishers, educators, and fans will help shape future tools, policies, and products
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Industry Experts Are On the Move
The TTRPG industry is seeing a lot of movement. Not only did Wizards lose Perkins and Crawford, but Mike Mearls, another major D&D designer, left for Chaosium in 2024. Meanwhile, Keith Baker, creator of the Eberron setting, is designing an original setting for Daggerheart, and Perkins and Crawford are developing new content for Darrington Press as well.
Community Involvement Is Key
Wizards of the Coast’s new approach focuses on working more closely with the community. The company wants to bring in ideas from active players, creators, and fans. While some fans see Wizards as a big, profit-focused company, this grassroots approach could lead to fresh ideas and new directions for Dungeons & Dragons.
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Looking Ahead
There’s no official competition between Critical Role and Wizards of the Coast. Daggerheart is still new, and it’s too early to say if it will ever reach the popularity of Dungeons & Dragons. Still, with Critical Role’s huge following and all-star team, the TTRPG scene is definitely changing. Both companies are making big moves, and players everywhere will be watching to see what happens next.
