CRITICAL ROLE Snags 2 Former DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Leads for Team
There's no doubt that Critical Role and Dungeons & Dragons will always be inextricably linked. After all, Critical Role rose to its great fame thanks to its funny, compelling, and deeply narrative-driven Dungeons & Dragons Actual Play campaign videos, which viewers fell in love with. But, as Critical Role evolves, it continues to not only engage in games of D&D, but also to create its own TTRPG offerings. Most recently, Critical Role's company, Darrington Press, released Daggerheart, an original RPG. But Critical Role's adventures in the space show no signs of slowing, if its most recent hiring news is any indication. Critical Role and Darrington Press just brought on acclaimed game designers, Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford, who hail, you guessed it, from the world of Wizards of the Coast and Dungeons & Dragons.
Has the student become the master? Or in this case, the player become the game designer? Will Critical Role become Dungeons and Dragons? A release from Critical Role shares that 'legendary, world-renowned game designers Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford, [are] joining its publishing arm, Darrington Press, to help further its mission to create shared experiences through rich and imaginative storytelling. Perkins and Crawford will be focused on developing new game concepts, innovative mechanics, and future iterations, including upcoming expansions involving the entire slate of Darrington Press products.'
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Travis Willingham, CEO and Co-founder of Critical Role, shares the following about the new Dungeons and Dragons additions to the team, 'Jeremy and Chris are visionaries. They've guided much of this golden age of TTRPG design and philosophy, helping shape the way we play, connect, and imagine together. Their creativity, passion, and heart will only elevate everything we do at Darrington Press, and we couldn't be more excited for what this means for the Critters and the stories we continue to tell.'
Perkins and Crawford are both former leads in the world of Dungeons & Dragons, and worked as Game Architect and Lead Designer for Dungeons & Dragons until very recently. Perkins left Wizards of the Coast in May, whereas Crawford left in April. Perkins had worked for Dungeons & Dragons for 28 years and Crawford for 18 at the time of their departure. And now we know what they left Dungeons & Dragons behind for Critical Role.
It's a fascinating choice and one that will surely rock the TTRPG world. But, in many ways, Critical Role could be seen as the next horizon of fantasy gameplay. Whatever happens next, Critical Role will surely benefit from Perkins and Crawford's many years of Dungeons and Dragons-honed experience.
'Storytelling has always been at the heart of everything I do, and joining Darrington Press feels a bit like coming home,' said Perkins, Creative Director of Darrington Press. 'I've loved being a part of the extended Critical Role family as a regular guest over the years, and I'm beyond excited to help create new worlds full of adventure.'
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Meanwhile, Crawford, Game Director of Darrington Press, shares, 'I've always believed that great games invite everyone to the table, and that's exactly what excites me about joining Darrington Press. 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.'
Like we said, Critical Role and Dungeons & Dragons, they'll always be entwined.
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