James Haeck Joins Wizards of the Coast as Senior D&D Designer

James Haeck, one of the co-writers of Waterdeep: Dragon Heist and Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus, has joined Wizards of the Coast as a senior D&D designer. Haeck announced the news on Eldritch Lorecast, a podcast hosted by Ghostfire Gaming. Haeck is a prolific D&D designer, having worked as a freelancer on multiple Wizards of the Coast titles. They were involved with several Critical Role projects, including acting as the lead designer of Call of the Netherdeep and co-writer for Explorer's Guide to Wildemount. Haeck also worked as the lead writer for D&D Beyond for several years, working on various editorial projects that appeared on the front page before the site was purchased by Wizards of the Coast.

Haeck joins a roster of recent promotions and hires at Wizards of the Coast, which includes Justice Ramin Arman who is now game design director for the D&D studio. Other notable names at Wizards include F. Wesley Schneider, Makenzie De Armas, James Wyatt, and Amanda Hamon.

 

[mearls]

This is really great news. James has done excellent work. Glad to see folks from third party publishers bringing their experience to the D&D team.

 

[Zaukrie]

Have always been a fan. Congrats!

 

[Marc Radle]

Sorry I forgot that! Which projects were they on?

James co-authored the Zobeck: Clockwork City book, and contributed to Creature Codex, and Eldritch Lairs, to name a few …

 

[Misanthrope Prime]

Hope they do a Haek of a job

 

[Eyes of Nine]

@bedir than thanks for being on top of the pronouns



I'm kind of youtube averse unless it's a YT Short - what specifically is the domain of influence for the Sr. Game Designer? In what way will Haek's work impact my table? (assuming I am playing by the rules/adventure as written lol)

 

[Minigiant]

Wow. I approve. Congrats

 

[darjr]

@bedir than thanks for being on top of the pronouns



I'm kind of youtube averse unless it's a YT Short - what specifically is the domain of influence for the Sr. Game Designer? In what way will Haek's work impact my table? (assuming I am playing by the rules/adventure as written lol)

Here is a job posting thread from 2021.

D&D 5E (2014) Thread 'Wizards is hiring a senior game designer for Dungeons & Dragons'

Nov 21, 2021

Who here is applying? Am I going to be able to say "I argued with them, nattering over minuscule ideas, over at ENWorld!"

We are seeking a Senior Game Designer to work with our design team to conceptualize and build Dungeons & Dragons products. In this role, you’ll help craft the future of D&D by designing and writing significant portions of future products, mentoring junior designers, and assisting in commissioning and managing freelance writers. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, can design and write innovative and high-quality RPG material, and hit deadlines, this role...

• darjr
• Replies: 91
• Forum: *Dungeons & Dragons

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I think the job is focused on rules and not necessarily adventures. Though new rules in those would count.

 

[bedir than]

@bedir than thanks for being on top of the pronouns



I'm kind of youtube averse unless it's a YT Short - what specifically is the domain of influence for the Sr. Game Designer? In what way will Haek's work impact my table? (assuming I am playing by the rules/adventure as written lol)

The linked YouTube is the weekly podcast from Ghostfire where James used to work.

The Senior Designer leads an entire book project typically, with others under them or adjacent roles supporting particular elements.

 

[sevenbastard]

I dont know enough about his work to know if his style is what I would want for D&D moving forward.

As a co writer hard to know what parts are his and what parts were others.

 

[Achan hiArusa]

Why is he in a lab? I enjoyed his appearances in the Eldritch Lorecast.