Dungeons & Dragons has been a staple of geek culture for over 45 years. While it may have had its ups and downs over the years, it has never really gone away. In fact, it's more popular now than ever before. With the rise of streaming and actual play shows like Critical Role and The Adventure Zone, Dungeons & Dragons has become a cultural phenomenon, with millions of people tuning in every week to watch their favorite players and characters embark on epic quests.

But what is it about this tabletop RPG that has made it so enduringly popular? In this blog article, we'll explore the reasons why Dungeons & Dragons isn't going away any time soon, and why it continues to captivate and inspire new generations of players.

Is D&D still popular?

Yes, Dungeons & Dragons is still a highly popular game, as evidenced by various factors. In our recent survey of 2,588 D&D fans, we discovered that 30% of current players have been playing the game for years, with one player citing that they started playing back in 1978!

“D&D is awesome! It truly brings a different kind of family into the world! An there's nothing better than meeting up with the same gang every week to forever continue the epic campaign(s)!”

According to reports, sales of D&D products increased by 33% in 2020, indicating a growing demand for the game. Furthermore, the pandemic-induced lockdowns and social distancing measures have encouraged many players to introduce their family and friends to the game, resulting in a surge in the number of new players. This suggests that D&D has not only maintained its existing player base but has also attracted a new audience during the pandemic. In fact, it's estimated that there are now over 13 million D&D players worldwide, demonstrating the game's continued popularity across the globe.

Why do so many people like D&D?

Dungeons & Dragons has become popular for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it is a social game that allows players to come together and collaborate on imaginative and often escapist adventures. The game provides a structure that allows for virtually unlimited possibilities, from dramatic and touching moments to hilarious and relaxing ones. The game is satisfying and exhilarating because it allows players to create and participate in their own stories, and it fosters creativity and imagination.

While the appeal of the game is not unique to D&D alone, it is accessible through the game, which makes it increasingly popular. The game's structure allows players to do almost anything they want, which is rather unique in a world that often limits options. Additionally, the recent popularity of the game can be attributed to the new 5e mechanics, which are user-friendly and make it easier for novice players to learn the game. The 5e system also makes it harder for players to die, which adds to the overall enjoyment of the game.

What is so great about Dungeons and Dragons?

Dungeons and Dragons is a versatile game that offers a collaborative storytelling experience. It encourages creativity, imagination, and personal growth while also promoting social interaction and teamwork. The game's versatility allows for various play styles, genres, and customizations, making it a unique and rewarding experience that is difficult to replicate in any other medium. In short, Dungeons and Dragons is great because it offers an immersive, social, and challenging experience that allows players to explore and experiment with their creativity and imagination.

What is happening with DnD OGL?

Wizards of the Coast, the Hasbro-owned company that owns Dungeons & Dragons, recently faced community backlash when a leaked decision showed their plans to control and monetize the game's Open Game License (OGL). This angered many fans and players, causing some to abandon the game altogether. As a result, Wizards of the Coast has officially ended their plans to update the OGL for Dungeons and Dragons, highlighting the importance of listening to and respecting the opinions and concerns of the player base.