Critical Role continues to solidify its position in the tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) industry by expanding its creative horizons beyond Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). Initially gaining fame through their entertaining D&D Actual Play campaigns, Critical Role’s evolution now includes the release of original TTRPG titles, such as Daggerheart from their publishing arm, Darrington Press. Their recent advancements indicate a vibrant future, especially with the recent hiring of acclaimed game designers Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford, both veterans from Wizards of the Coast’s Dungeons & Dragons team.
Perkins and Crawford bring a wealth of experience, having dedicated many years to shaping D&D’s design and narrative approaches—Perkins for 28 years and Crawford for 18 before their departure. Their transition to Darrington Press is seen as a major development, suggesting a new chapter in TTRPG storytelling and gameplay design. In a statement, Travis Willingham, CEO and Co-founder of Critical Role, praised the pair as visionaries whose talents would greatly enhance the team’s efforts to create innovative game experiences.
Perkins expressed his excitement for joining Darrington Press, feeling it was akin to coming home. “I’ve always been drawn to storytelling, and I can’t wait to create new worlds filled with adventure,” he said. Meanwhile, Crawford highlighted the inclusive and creative culture at Darrington Press, emphasizing a commitment to crafting engaging experiences that invite everyone to partake in the storytelling journey.
This collaboration marks an interesting crossroads between Critical Role and Dungeons & Dragons, reinforcing their intertwined legacies while paving the way for exciting new adventures in the TTRPG landscape. With such talented individuals at the helm, fans can look forward to unique game concepts and expansions that promise to enhance the gaming experience.