The cult classic Fanboys director, Kyle Newman, coauthored the book “Lore and Legends: A Visual Celebration of the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game” which chronicles the success of the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition ruleset. In a Geek’s Guide to the Galaxy podcast episode, Newman discusses the factors leading to the revival of D&D, including ’80s nostalgia, the rise of geek culture, and digital technology. He explains the impact of pop culture references in TV shows like Community and Big Bang Theory, as well as the Critical Role phenomenon and the accessibility of learning how to play D&D through online resources. Celebrity endorsements from Dwayne Johnson, Steven Colbert, and Drew Barrymore have also contributed to the game’s resurgence. Kyle Newman and Joe Manganiello are working on an official D&D documentary, highlighting the game’s 50th anniversary and its enduring popularity.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dungeons & Dragons revival | From near extinction to mainstream | Continued popularity and cultural prominence | ’80s nostalgia, rise of geek culture |
| Increasing number of celebrities playing D&D | D&D becomes more popular among celebrities | Higher visibility and influence of D&D in popular culture | Celebrity endorsement, cultural influence |
| Official D&D documentary in the works | Documentary exploring D&D’s legacy | Greater understanding of D&D’s history and impact | Celebration of D&D’s community |