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GGG Presents - From D20s to Demons: D&D’s Dance with the Satanic Panic (Content Warning) - Horrific History & Hauntings

Sep 30, 2023
Explore the origins and popularity of Dungeons & Dragons, its connection to the Satanic Panic of the 80s, and the therapeutic potential and evolution of the game. Discover trivia about D&D's budget, its portrayal in media, and the misconceptions surrounding it. Learn how the game emerged unscathed from the controversy and left an indelible mark on tabletop gaming.
42:56

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Despite the Satanic Panic controversy, Dungeons and Dragons emerged unscathed and left an indelible mark on the world of tabletop gaming.
  • Dungeons and Dragons has been recognized as not only an entertaining game, but also a therapeutic tool and social outlet.

Deep dives

The Origins and Popularity of Dungeons and Dragons

Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) was created in 1974 by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. Initially, it was a war game add-on called Chain Mail, but it gained its own popularity and became its own game. By 2004, D&D had been played by over 20 million people, and its popularity has continued to grow, with estimates of over 50 million players by 2022. The game has been influenced by various factors, including the success of TV shows like Stranger Things and Critical Role. Despite its success, D&D has faced controversy, such as being targeted during the Satanic Panic era and being blamed for real-life incidents.

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