D&D General Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford Join Darrington Press

Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford have a new home, joining Critical Role’s Darrington Press. The LA Times was the first to report on the news of the pair joining Darrington in undisclosed roles. [UPDATE: Per Darrington Press, Perkins is Creative Director and Crawford is Game Director, matching their roles at Wizards.] According to the article, Perkins and Crawford were approached by Critical Role shortly after news broke that the pair were departing Wizards of the Coast.

I was committed to staying with Wizards until after D&D’s 50th anniversary, which gave me lots of time to work on succession planning and exit strategies,” Perkins told the LA Times. “What brought me out of retirement was the chance to work with Jeremy and the brilliant folks at Critical Role on things that have a lasting, positive impact on the world.”

“Chris and I talked about his retirement plan for years, so his approaching departure was long on my mind. When we sent the new D&D rule books to the printer last year, I felt it was time to explore a new chapter for myself,” Crawford added. “I love the game and its team, but 18 years is a long time. I was ready for a new adventure. The chapter that we’ve now opened feels like coming home — resuming work with Chris and returning to Southern California.”

Darrington Press just launched Daggerheart, a fantasy TTRPG that’s more narrative focused than D&D, but also has significant rules-crunch. Many have described Daggerheart as a rival to D&D, a comparison that will likely be made even more now that Darrington has snatched away two of D&D’s primary architects for the last 10+ years.

 

[thatOneLinuxDM]

I was just talking to someone about how it seems like Jess Lanzillo will probably end up at Darrington Press, so this news doesn't really come out of left field, it's a small industry.

I'm interested to see what comes of this, but great games are made by great teams, not single individuals (however visionary.) Hopefully we don't get a bunch of rules-via-bluesky (insert your social media company of choice) again...

Having now finished reading the Daggerheart book (no issues with supply where I am) I'm tentatively intrigued by some of the rules in it, but right now it feels like version two of the rules are going to plug some of the holes (elemental, traveling, etc.) when and if a revision comes around, which could be where Crawford shines. I've got a date and group ready to give it a go, which may change my opinion on the game itself.

I'm a bit worried about the "campaign frames" and non-linear feeling of the system, but hopefully Perkins and whatever team he onboards will have some ideas about Adventure Paths and similar stories which can be published for the system (like the quickstart on their site.)

Overall, interesting development.

 

[bedir than]

https://bsky.app/profile/dndbeyond.com%2Fpost%2F3lrqh6lyth22l

The rest of their post as shared on Threads

"The worlds we build are always connected—and sometimes, the best stories come from unexpected reunions..."

curious if "Non Compete" agreements are common in the RPG sphere? Was wondering if Hasbro or WOTC would have those in place. I know legally there are a varieties of enforcement in the states. Washington state they are heavily restricted and rarely enforced.

Washington State nearly eliminated them, but since Hasbro/Wizards doesn't seem hostile to the move there's no point in trying to enforce it (if they had one).

 

[Arkanum]

So… What will P&C run at next PAX for Acquisitions Incorporated?

 

[The Soloist]

Do any of them post here?

LOL, they could be hiding behind their user names.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

So… What will P&C run at next PAX for Acquisitions Incorporated?

Runequest, confusing the issue further.

 

[Rhineglade]

Best of luck to them, but I think I'll stick with WotC. I prefer D&D

 

[DarkCrisis]

He still is? In a twist, because the ttrpg player base is so very much bigger now, maybe even more people know of him? Maybe?

Only thing I know of him lately (like 10-15 years ago) was him making scifi setting RPG? And a video game was made based on it that was a spiritual successor to Planescape Torment or something.

 

[Nord Ronnoc]

I was half-asleep when I read that, and it shocked me into waking up. Anyway, I'm not sure Daggerheart will dethrone D&D, but I can see it taking up Pathfinder's spot. Compared to Pathfinder, Daggerheart is mechanically distinct and is setting neutral. Plus, it'll be more recognizable thanks to the people at Critical Role.

 

[Sulicius]

I am happy for them and excited to see where DH leads! I just hope I will enjoy the game as much as D&D to share new experiences with the community.

Who knows where things will lead.

 

[Sacrosanct]

Do any of them post here?

Just go look at any "Lorraine Williams killed D&D" threads. We have them about once a month it seems. But there are always people like that. When 5e came out, there were 4e fans who actively wanted 5e to fail too.