A significant shift has occurred in the tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) landscape as Critical Role’s publishing division, Darrington Press, announces the hiring of two prominent industry leaders: Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford. As former primary architects at Wizards of the Coast (WoTC) for Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), their combined 46 years of experience bring an established pedigree to Critical Role’s creative endeavors. This move underlines how TTRPG companies continue to seek creative autonomy amid evolving industry dynamics, prompting questions about the long-term implications for major brands and independent publishers alike. Industry followers are watching keenly, wondering how these hires might influence both existing and new projects at Darrington Press, including Candela Obscura and Daggerheart.
Earlier reports about Darrington Press and Critical Role had celebrated the company’s expansion into game publishing and live-streamed campaigns, but lacked major personnel moves that could compete with established brands like Dungeons & Dragons. Attention previously focused on their crowdfunding successes and diversified product lines, including animated projects and new game systems. The addition of Perkins and Crawford stands out against this background, as their expertise could elevate Critical Role’s in-house development and intensify competition with traditional players such as WoTC.
Why Did Perkins and Crawford Depart Wizards of the Coast?
Both designers exited WoTC following the rollout of the D&D 2024 ruleset update, soon after the completion of a long creative cycle. Market observers have speculated about internal challenges at the Hasbro-owned company, referencing frustrations around leveraging successes like Baldur’s Gate 3 and labor conditions shaped by shifting corporate priorities. No official statements have addressed specific reasons for their departures, but the timing aligns with broader industry turnover and restructuring at Wizard of the Coast.
What Will Their Roles Be at Darrington Press?
At Darrington Press, Perkins will serve as Creative Director, while Crawford assumes the role of Game Director. Their responsibilities are likely to center on designing new TTRPG systems and enriching existing franchises.
“This team is passionate, wildly creative, and committed to building welcoming, connected, amazing story-driven experiences—I can’t wait to expand on what Critical Role has already created to develop some really fun and unique games,”
said Crawford about his new position.
How Might This Impact the Broader TTRPG Market?
The movement of such experienced designers from a legacy entity like WoTC to an emergent competitor could foster substantial innovation in the TTRPG sector. Darrington Press’s existing catalog, including Candela Obscura and the open beta release of Daggerheart, may benefit immediately from their guidance and numerous industry connections. Meanwhile, WoTC faces increased scrutiny regarding its ability to retain top talent and sustain creative leadership amid shifting market demands and criticism over recent product and technology initiatives.
While Critical Role’s growth has been observed through crowdfunding successes and multimedia ventures, the recruitment of Perkins and Crawford signals a deeper commitment to shaping original systems and content beyond reliance on the D&D foundation. For consumers, this hiring move could lead to a wider range of innovative games and potentially stronger competition among publishers, which may drive both product quality and creative risk-taking. Notably, the evolving relationship between Critical Role and Wizards of the Coast, once rooted in mutual support through livestreamed gameplay, now reflects a nuanced competitive dynamic as personnel and creative expertise flow toward new ventures. Observers may find further value in examining emerging systems like Daggerheart, especially as industry veterans contribute fresh perspectives.
- Darrington Press hires ex-D&D leads Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford.
- The move intensifies competition with Wizards of the Coast’s Dungeons & Dragons.
- Industry observers expect changes across Critical Role’s publishing ventures.
