D&D's Top Designers Leave Wizards Of The Coast, Join Critical Role Team

Michael

3 min read

Post on Jun 17, 2025

4.2

Share

D&D's Top Designers Leave Wizards of the Coast, Joining Critical Role's Growing Empire

The world of tabletop gaming is abuzz with news that will send shockwaves through the Dungeons & Dragons community: two of Wizards of the Coast's most prominent designers, Jeremy Crawford and Chris Perkins, have left the company to join Critical Role, the hugely popular Dungeons & Dragons streaming group. This unexpected move signals a significant shift in the landscape of the TTRPG industry and raises exciting questions about the future of both organizations.

The departure of Crawford and Perkins is a considerable blow to Wizards of the Coast. Crawford, known for his work on the Player's Handbook and Dungeon Master's Guide, served as the lead designer for the 5th edition of Dungeons & Dragons, a role that cemented his place as a leading figure within the community. His official Twitter account, filled with insightful rules clarifications and engaging interactions with fans, built a loyal following. Perkins, the equally beloved Dungeon Master of The Acquisitions Incorporated campaign, contributed significantly to D&D's lore and provided countless hours of engaging content. Their combined influence on the game's development and culture is undeniable.

What Does This Mean for Dungeons & Dragons?

While the immediate impact remains to be seen, the loss of two such influential designers undoubtedly raises concerns among D&D players. Will the future editions of D&D maintain the same level of quality and community engagement? Will the unique design philosophy that Crawford and Perkins championed be continued? These are questions that Wizards of the Coast will need to address swiftly and transparently. The company will need to find replacements who can uphold the legacy of their predecessors and connect with the passionate fanbase.

Critical Role's Expanding Influence

This move represents a massive coup for Critical Role. The group, known for its high-quality production value, engaging storytelling, and dedicated community, has already established itself as a major force in the TTRPG world. The addition of Crawford and Perkins significantly boosts their creative capabilities and potentially their ability to develop their own tabletop games and content.

What can we expect from this partnership? While specifics remain unclear, the possibilities are immense. We could see:

• New Critical Role-branded D&D content: This could include official adventures, supplements, or even entirely new game systems built upon the D&D 5e framework.
• Improved Critical Role campaign design: Crawford and Perkins' expertise could significantly enhance the already high quality of Critical Role's campaigns.
• Innovation in the TTRPG space: The combined talents of these individuals could lead to groundbreaking innovations in tabletop gaming, pushing creative boundaries and introducing new mechanics and storytelling techniques.

This unexpected partnership undoubtedly marks a pivotal moment for the future of Dungeons & Dragons and the wider TTRPG landscape. The gaming community eagerly awaits further announcements and developments with bated breath. Will this collaboration reignite the passion of existing players or attract a whole new generation of tabletop enthusiasts? Only time will tell.

What are your thoughts on this monumental shift in the D&D world? Share your predictions in the comments below!