Dungeon Masters behind Dungeons & Dragons ink deal with Critical Role production company
Dungeons & Dragons powerhouses Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford have left their long-time posts at game publisher Wizards of the Coast and are now onboard with Critical Role Productions' Darrington Press, marking another step in the expansion of this production company that initially began as a web series. Perkins, the ex-creative director for D&D, and Crawford, the former game director, have been instrumental in writing the narratives and guidelines for the number one role-playing game in history. Their move has been anticipated since their exit from Wizards of the Coast earlier this year and now their new roles at Critical Role aren't a secret anymore.
Critical Role CEO Travis Willingham, also a voice actor, sees the impact of their arrival on the company's game division. "They are two of the biggest names that have influenced tabletop RPGs for years," said the CEO, using the acronym for tabletop role-playing games. Perkins and Crawford's experience spans 15 and 17 years respectively at Wizards of the Coast, effectively making them TTRPG pioneers.
The duo has been enticed by the values that Critical Role represents and the chance to work with Jeremy. "Critical Role creates wonderful entertainment that is meaningful to people," Perkins said. Crawford added, "We've admired their work and spirit for years."
With the increase in popularity of tabletop games beyond the Monopoly generation and titles like Settlers of Catan, Perkins and Crawford believe there needs to be a broader range of creators involved in the industry. These influential figures aim to create an industry that is more welcoming, onboard new generations of gamers, and never lose its focus on the simple joys of play.
Perkins and Crawford will bring their wealth of knowledge and innovative ideas to Darrington Press, with both expressing excitement for the opportunity to collaborate with the Critical Role team and work on projects that can make a lasting impact on the world. Despite their reluctance to reveal specific details about upcoming projects, their involvement with Darrington Press signals a promising future for the company's game development and storytelling endeavors.
Sources: [1] IGN.com - "Ex-Wizards of the Coast Leads Join Critical Role"[2] PCMag.com - "Ex-Wizards of the Coast Lead Designers Join Critical Role"[3] Polygon.com - "Ex-Wizards of the Coast Lead Designers Join Critical Role"[4] ArsTechnica.com - "Ex-D&D Lead Designers Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford Join Critical Role Productions"
- The influence of Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford, two renowned figures in the tabletop RPG industry, is expected to significantly impact Critical Role Productions' game division, given their past work at Wizards of the Coast.
- California-based entertainment company Critical Role Productions has bolstered its game division with the addition of D&D veterans Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford, highlighting the company's growth from a web series to a full-fledged RPG business.
- Moves in the entertainment sector aren't unusual, and the recent shift of Perkins and Crawford to Critical Role Productions' Darrington Press reflects the ongoing expansion of the RPG and storytelling businesses.
- The influx of talent from the world of movies, television, and sports into the RPG industry, exemplified by the arrival of Perkins and Crawford at Critical Role Productions, indicates a growing interest in a broader range of narratives and creative voices in this domain.
