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.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

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.

If Hasbro is keeping the Stretch Armstrong brand alive, just in case (they had a truly terrible Netflix show a few years ago), there's a less than zero percent chance that D&D is going anywhere.

 

[Superchunk77]

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.

I am left wondering where Shadowdark ranks amongst all of this as well. It seems to be quite popular, and made bank on both of its kickstarters. It also has an extensive 3rd party community and marketplace, with many YouTubers launching very successful SD kickstarters. Not sure that translates into anything close to Paizo/Pathfinder?

 

[Reynard]

When did ENWorld turn into such a hen house?

 

[Sacrosanct]

If Hasbro is keeping the Stretch Armstrong brand alive, just in case (they had a truly terrible Netflix show a few years ago), there's a less than zero percent chance that D&D is going anywhere.

Oh, I don't think it is either. But I do recall that with every new edition, there are people who say it will fail. It's a safe bet.

 

[Bravesteel25]

I am left wondering where Shadowdark ranks amongst all of this as well. It seems to be quite popular, and made bank on both of its kickstarters. It also has an extensive 3rd party community and marketplace, with many YouTubers launching very successful SD kickstarters. Not sure that translates into anything close to Paizo/Pathfinder?

Shadowdark is popular in the OSR space, but I don't think it really makes a dent in Pathfinder or D&D. Just my take.

I could certainly see Daggerheart taking Pathfinder's spot as the number two tabletop RPG if they make the right moves.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

When did ENWorld turn into such a hen house?

Is this a fox joke?

 

[Sacrosanct]

I am left wondering where Shadowdark ranks amongst all of this as well. It seems to be quite popular, and made bank on both of its kickstarters. It also has an extensive 3rd party community and marketplace, with many YouTubers launching very successful SD kickstarters. Not sure that translates into anything close to Paizo/Pathfinder?

Shadowdark is popular in the OSR space, but I don't think it really makes a dent in Pathfinder or D&D. Just my take.

I could certainly see Daggerheart taking Pathfinder's spot as the number two tabletop RPG if they make the right moves.

Agreed. Just based on my own experience*, SD is roughly 2/3 of the games now being played in the OSR group (more than OSE or original versions), but D&D is still 90% of the games in general gaming areas.

* I am blessed in Portland because we have so many breweries and restaurants that are also gaming places (not stores). TPK Brewing, Black Water, Paladin's league, etc. All are places to grab a meal and play at a game table.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Shadowdark is popular in the OSR space, but I don't think it really makes a dent in Pathfinder or D&D. Just my take.

I don't think Paizo or Arcane Library are going to open their books up to show us how they're doing, but based on games played at conventions, I'd say that Shadowdark is definitely on its way to rivaling Pathfinder in games played.

 

[Remathilis]

Why should there be any at all?

I'm sure someone will spin this as "Chris and Jeremy abandoning WotC sinking ship over Controversies." This just tells me that this isn't a bridge burning between the two.

 

[Superchunk77]

Shadowdark is popular in the OSR space, but I don't think it really makes a dent in Pathfinder or D&D. Just my take.

I could certainly see Daggerheart taking Pathfinder's spot as the number two tabletop RPG if they make the right moves.

Yes and no. Shadowdark is firmly within the OSR space as far as play style goes, but it leans heavily on some 5e mechanics which does draw some people from D&D as well. I think that's why it was so successful, because it had something for both camps. The creator is also pretty cool, and the license is very easy to use.

I don't see much about Daggerheart that interests me or my group. But the CR community's impact on its potential to replace Pathfinder can't be ignored. Guess we'll wait and see.