Business Wars The Many Deaths of Dungeons & Dragons | Game On | 3
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Dec 11, 2025 Ryan Dancey, a gaming executive and former VP at Wizards of the Coast, dives into the evolution of Dungeons & Dragons, reflecting on its rise to cultural prominence. He discusses the game's appeal, such as creativity and community, and its growing mainstream audience. Dancey highlights the impact of livestreams like Critical Role, the Open Gaming License's role in expanding content, and challenges in transitioning to digital formats. He also shares insights on AI's potential to transform gameplay and the future of D&D.
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Personal Reboot Of A Childhood Campaign
- Ryan Dancey rebooted his family's D&D campaign after his daughter was born as an inexpensive hobby.
- He played regularly from sixth grade through high school and returned to the game in 1991 with his family.
Dungeon Masters Face High Cognitive Load
- The Dungeon Master carries a very high cognitive load running rules, NPCs, and combat decisions for players.
- Complexity grows with experience, so new groups keep things simple and expand mechanics over time.
D&D’s Market Dominance
- Dungeons & Dragons dominates tabletop role-playing in both players and revenue compared to competitors.
- The rest of the industry combined might be only around 10% the size of D&D.
