Reading D&D Aloud Did this guy save Dungeons & Dragons? Ep 58
Jun 23, 2025
In this conversation, Ryan Dancey, former executive at Wizards of the Coast and architect of the Open Gaming License, discusses his pivotal role in revitalizing Dungeons & Dragons. He shares anecdotes from the game's transition from TSR, emphasizing the balance between creativity and business strategy. Ryan also reflects on the explosive growth of tabletop RPGs, including the impact of live play and crowdfunding. Additionally, he humorously recounts his last day at Wizards, coinciding with significant historical events.
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Crisis Enabled D&D Revival
- TSR made catastrophic business decisions that nearly destroyed Dungeons & Dragons, creating an opportunity for radical change.
- Crisis allowed Ryan Dancey and Wizards of the Coast to enact sweeping reforms that revived the game’s fortunes.
OGL Protects D&D Trademarks
- The OGL license is misunderstood; it actually protects Dungeons & Dragons trademarks rather than allowing unauthorized use.
- Wizards' fears about open licensing harming their brand are overstated since licensed and unlicensed uses legally differ significantly.
OGL Reduced Legal Risk to Zero
- The Open Gaming License (OGL) reduced legal risk for creators, enabling a flourishing ecosystem around Dungeons & Dragons.
- By making risk effectively zero, the OGL encouraged innovation and wide third-party content creation for over two decades.
