D&D's Leading Designers Exit Wizards, Join Critical Role

Michael

3 min read

Post on Jun 17, 2025

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D&D's Leading Designers Exit Wizards of the Coast, Join Critical Role: A New Era of TTRPG Innovation?

The world of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) is abuzz with exciting news: two leading designers from Wizards of the Coast, the publisher of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), have unexpectedly departed to join Critical Role, the massively popular TTRPG streaming company. This seismic shift has sent ripples throughout the industry, sparking speculation about the future of D&D and the potential for a new wave of innovative game design.

The departure of Jeremy Crawford and Chris Perkins, prominent figures known for their contributions to D&D 5th Edition and beyond, marks a significant loss for Wizards of the Coast. Crawford, known for his insightful rulings and clarifications as the lead rules designer, and Perkins, celebrated for his Dungeon Master prowess and work on various D&D adventures, were integral to the game's ongoing success. Their move to Critical Role is undoubtedly a bold step, signaling a potentially dramatic shift in the TTRPG landscape.

What Does This Mean for D&D?

While Wizards of the Coast has yet to release an official statement regarding the specifics of Crawford and Perkins' departures, the move raises several key questions:

• Will this impact the development of future D&D content? The departure of such influential figures is sure to cause some level of disruption. The upcoming releases of One D&D and other planned expansions may experience some changes in direction or timeline.
• What will Wizards of the Coast do to fill this void? Finding replacements for designers of Crawford and Perkins' caliber will be a significant challenge. The company will need to act swiftly to maintain the momentum of D&D's ongoing development.
• Will this affect the overall direction of D&D? The stylistic choices and design philosophies of Crawford and Perkins permeated D&D 5e. Their absence could pave the way for a significant alteration of future iterations.

Critical Role's Ascendance: A New Powerhouse in TTRPGs?

Critical Role, initially a group of voice actors playing D&D, has exploded in popularity, becoming a major force in the TTRPG community. Their success is largely attributed to their engaging storytelling, strong community building, and successful expansion into merchandise, animation, and even their own TTRPG system, Call of the Netherdeep. The addition of Crawford and Perkins to their team is a major coup, instantly bolstering their design capabilities.

The Future of TTRPG Design:

The move suggests a broader trend in the TTRPG industry: a shift toward more collaborative and community-driven design. Critical Role's inclusive approach, coupled with the expertise of Crawford and Perkins, could lead to exciting innovations in game design, potentially influencing the wider TTRPG market.

What's Next?

The coming months will be crucial in observing the impact of this monumental shift. We can expect increased scrutiny on Wizards of the Coast's future D&D plans and a keen interest in Critical Role's upcoming projects. This is a pivotal moment for the TTRPG community, one that promises both uncertainty and thrilling possibilities. Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.

Call to Action: What are your thoughts on this surprising development? Share your opinions in the comments below! Let's discuss the potential implications for the future of D&D and the TTRPG industry as a whole.