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The gaming world is buzzing with news of two prominent figures from Dungeons & Dragons making a significant leap to Critical Role’s Darrington Press. Jeremy Crawford and Chris Perkins, after an impressive combined tenure of 46 years at D&D, have taken their talents to this new venture. This transition is akin to a high-profile sports player transferring teams, drawing attention and intrigue from fans and industry observers alike.
Background on Darrington Press
Darrington Press is the publishing arm of Critical Role, a well-established D&D actual play stream that has garnered a massive following. This platform has not only entertained fans but has also successfully funded projects such as an Amazon Prime animated series. Over the years, Critical Role has evolved into a formidable presence in the tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) industry, producing sourcebooks for their own systems like Candela Obscura and Daggerheart.
The significance of Crawford and Perkins’ transition
The move of Crawford and Perkins is a substantial development in the gaming community. Previously, Crawford served as the principal rules designer, while Perkins held the position of senior story designer at Wizards of the Coast. Their departure follows the recent release of D&D’s 2025 ruleset overhaul, marking a critical moment for both the individuals and the company they left behind.
Critical Role has welcomed them with open arms, stating on their Darrington Press website, “Exciting news—our Darrington Press team has grown, adding Chris Perkins as our Creative Director and Jeremy Crawford as Game Director!” This announcement reflects a blend of admiration and strategic intent, highlighting the expertise both bring from their extensive backgrounds in tabletop games, including not just Dungeons & Dragons, but also other popular franchises like Star Wars Roleplaying and Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay.
Perspectives from the new team members
Perkins expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Darrington Press team, saying, “Storytelling has always been at the heart of everything I do, and joining Darrington Press feels a bit like coming home.” His sentiment resonates strongly with fans who have followed him over the years as a regular guest on Critical Role. He is eager to contribute to the creation of new, adventure-filled worlds.
On the other hand, Crawford seems invigorated by the prospect of this new chapter. He noted, “This team is passionate, wildly creative, and committed to building welcoming, connected, amazing story-driven experiences— I can’t wait to expand on what Critical Role has already created to develop some really fun and unique games.” His excitement reflects a shared vision with his new colleagues, indicating a culture of creativity and collaboration.
Industry dynamics and future implications
Wizards of the Coast has faced challenges over the past decade, and the loss of such key figures raises questions about the direction of D&D. While the recent 2024 rules remaster has been received positively, there are concerns about the company’s strategy moving forward, especially in light of competing interests from Critical Role and others in the market.
Speculation arises as to whether Crawford and Perkins sought to escape a restrictive corporate environment, particularly given the growing influence of Hasbro over Wizards of the Coast. Critical Role, while not a small entity, provides a different atmosphere where creativity can flourish without the pressures associated with larger corporate frameworks. This shift could signal a desire for innovation and a fresh approach to TTRPG development.
Looking ahead
As we look to the future, the industry is eager to see what Perkins and Crawford will bring to Darrington Press. Their legacy at D&D sets a high bar, and fans are hopeful for new and exciting games that push the boundaries of storytelling and gameplay. This transition not only marks a significant personal shift for the designers but potentially reshapes the landscape of tabletop gaming.