Why Dungeons & Dragons is still winning at 50
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A scene from the mythical Forgotten Realms, an iconic Dungeons & Dragons world. Illustration courtesy of Wizards of the Coast
Fifty years after Dungeons & Dragons first rolled the dice, the legendary tabletop game remains a cultural force — fueling movies, series, books and one of the most devoted fandoms in gaming history.
Why it matters: Dungeons & Dragons pioneered the role-playing genre, and since acquiring it in 1997, Renton-based company Wizards of the Coast has expanded its reach and influence.
The big picture: D&D's influence can be seen in the "Stranger Things" series, "Baldur's Gate 3" game, "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves" movie and brand collaborations with Converse and Lego, Jess Lanzillo, VP of franchise and product for Dungeons & Dragons, told Axios in an email.
By the numbers: 85 million global fans engaged with the brand in the past year, per Wizards of the Coast. That includes playing tabletop D&D and video games and buying merchandise.
- D&D's popularity surged during the pandemic, with Wizards reporting a 33% revenue spike in 2020.
- More than 19 million people have created accounts on D&D Beyond, the official digital platform, per Wizards.
Flashback: Created by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson in 1974, D&D introduced collaborative storytelling, where players use dice and imagination to shape fantasy worlds.
- The game's popularity exploded after Wizards of the Coast — the Hasbro-owned makers of "Magic: The Gathering" — acquired it and expanded its reach.
What we're hearing: Niko Mendes, a 27-year-old environmental scientist in Olympia who has played since he was 12, says D&D offers a creative freedom unmatched by other games.
- "It's an incredible way to tell a story with friends, where choices shape the world in real-time," he told Axios in a phone interview. "It's dynamic, fun, and liberating."
- Among the company's new releases, Mendes said he is particularly excited about the revival of classic settings and older worlds such as Forgotten Realms.
What's next: Wizards of the Coast is releasing a slate of new products to be rolled out throughout 2025, including:
- Monster Manual: The newest update will feature 500+ monsters, including 85 new ones, and streamlined navigation. (Feb. 18)
- Dragon Delves: 10 short adventures spotlighting iconic dragons and their history. (July 8)
- Eberron: Forge of the Artificer: Expanded options for Artificers and new Dungeon Master tools. (Aug. 19)
- Starter Set: Heroes of the Borderlands: A beginner-friendly entry point with shared DM campaigns. (Sept. 16)
- Forgotten Realms Guides: Deep dives into five legendary settings, from Baldur's Gate to Icewind Dale. (Nov. 11)
Project Sigil, a new immersive 3D tool for playing D&D, launched in alpha in September, with testers tripling since the launch, officials with the Hasbro subsidiary told media during an office tour last week.
What they're saying: "D&D is more than a brand; it is a lifestyle and an institution," said Lanzillo. "We are providing a venue for folks to build lifelong memories and friendships."