Two influential designers from the world of Dungeons & Dragons have transitioned to join Critical Role’s publishing branch, Darrington Press. Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford, who have significantly impacted the game during their extensive careers at Wizards of the Coast, will take on the roles of creative director and game director, respectively.
After their retirement from Wizards of the Coast earlier this year, their new positions at Darrington Press will allow them to continue crafting new game concepts, pioneering mechanics, and developing future expansions for the company’s diverse product lineup, which includes titles like Daggerheart and Candela Obscura. Their extensive backgrounds in tabletop role-playing games, including pivotal roles in the design of Fourth and Fifth Edition D&D, make this collaboration a noteworthy advancement for Critical Role.
Travis Willingham, CEO and co-founder of Critical Role, praised Perkins and Crawford as “visionaries” who have greatly influenced the landscape of tabletop role-playing game design. He expressed enthusiasm for how their contributions will enhance the storytelling experience at Darrington Press, highlighting their ability to connect people through imaginative play.
Perkins shared his excitement about the move, emphasizing that storytelling has always been central to his work and feeling like joining Darrington Press represents a return to his roots. Similarly, Crawford noted the importance of creating inclusive gaming experiences that invite everyone to participate, expressing eagerness to help expand the narrative-driven games that Critical Role is known for.
The decision of these seasoned designers to join Darrington Press has sparked intrigue about the future of tabletop gaming, suggesting an era of innovation and expanded storytelling possibilities. Their combined expertise could lead to exciting developments in the industry, fueling optimism among gamers for the forthcoming projects from Critical Role.
With their significant reputations and a shared passion for inclusive storytelling, both Perkins and Crawford’s arrival at Critical Role hints at a promising chapter in the evolution of tabletop RPGs.