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Dungeons and Dragons Gains Popularity And Sees Resurgence

Brooklyn Wilkins , , , , ,

The table-top, role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, or D&D, has had a resurgence within the last five years. 

The game requires a dungeon-master, or DM, to guide a group of players through typically fantasy-based combats and adventures using different dice, ability checks, and problem-solving. 

Because of its math-based nature, the game previously had a reputation, through its few appearances in the media (Gravity Falls, Stranger Things), for being nerdy.

“The stereotype was [that it was] mainly a nerd game. It was for some people like basement dwellers and who were kind of older and they just do math.” Said Abbie Johnson, a second-year St. Thomas University student who has been a DM for the past year. 

Johnson, like many recent D&D players, first heard about the game through one of the many Dungeon and Dragons web series where players record and post videos of themselves playing the game. 

The most popular of these web series being Critical Role, a show that consists of a cast of famous voice actors who use their talents to play the game. Many players believe that Critical Role alone has greatly added to the number of people interested in the game.

“[Dungeons & Dragons]  was originally thought to be this nerdy game like oh, it’s math disgusting. But [Critical Role] made it fun and invigorating. It has an emotional attachment to many people. Seeing these characters thrive, progress, go through challenges and ultimately making them on top. I think that’s why [the game] became so popular.” said Johnson

Sumner Murray (left) plays as Dungeon Master for Caleb Murray (left) and guides him through a game of Dungeons and Dragons

Another reason for the spike in popularity is that these web series have shown audiences that the game is for more than just ‘nerds’. The stereotype linked to the game has slowly lessened.

“That whole division thing’s kind of… calmed down a lot. People now are just allowed to enjoy things as long as you aren’t hurting anybody, and D&D is fairly harmless.” Said Caleb Murray, a second-year STU student who has been playing the game for about a year. 

Murray explained how he had heard about the game when he was younger but had just thought it was a board game. It wasn’t until he started university that he actually tried it out for himself. 

“It wasn’t as complex as I thought it would be. When you first hear about it. It’s like, Oh, my gosh, there’s so much math. It’s not that bad. You just have to find the group that fits you.” Said Murray. 

Once players begin to play the game, most say that it quickly becomes clear that while math is an element in it, the main focus is definitely on creativity.

Three Dungeons and Dragons mini figurines mark the place on a hand-drawn map to represent where the players’ party will travel.

“Being a Dungeon Master, I get to make stories for people. I get to have players interact with the world or settings that I make. And I get to make fun plots for people to explore. And it’s just nice.” Said Sumner Murray, a second-year STU student who has been a DM for around a year. 

The game is now a trending subject on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Tumblr, where players share the highlights of their campaign, and continues to gain new players every day.