Continuing My Focus on D&D: A Personal Perspective
Introduction
As many of my readers know, I’ve been vocal in the past about my concerns regarding Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast (WotC), the companies behind Dungeons and Dragons. I’ve even contemplated moving away from D&D to other systems like Tales of the Valiant. Despite these criticisms, I’ve decided to continue focusing on D&D in my content. Today, I want to explain why.
The Enduring Magic of D&D
Dungeons and Dragons is more than just a product; it’s a gateway to imagination, creativity, and community. The game’s core essence – collaborative storytelling and adventure – remains unchanged, regardless of corporate decisions.
Separating the Art from the Artist (or Corporation)
While I stand by my past criticisms of Hasbro and WotC, I’ve come to realize that D&D has grown beyond its corporate owners. The game now belongs to its players, dungeon masters, and the vibrant community that has formed around it.
The Power of the Community
One of the most compelling reasons to stay engaged with D&D is the incredible community surrounding it. From homebrew content creators to passionate players, this community continues to innovate and expand the game in ways that often transcend official releases.
A Platform for Creativity
D&D provides an unparalleled platform for creative expression. By continuing to focus on the game, I can explore and share new ideas, homebrew content, and unique perspectives that contribute to the broader D&D ecosystem.
Advocating for Positive Change
By remaining engaged with D&D, I maintain a voice in the community. This allows me to continue advocating for positive changes, both in the game itself and in the practices of the companies behind it.
The Evolving Landscape of TTRPGs
While my focus remains on D&D, I’m also excited to explore how it fits into the broader world of tabletop RPGs. This includes looking at alternative systems and how they influence and are influenced by D&D.
Conclusion
In the end, my decision to continue focusing on D&D comes from a place of love for the game and its community. While I remain critical of certain corporate practices, I believe that the heart of D&D lies with its players. By continuing to engage with and create content around D&D, I hope to contribute positively to its ongoing evolution and the joy it brings to so many people around the world.
What are your thoughts on this decision? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
![D&D 5E - Character Sheet [rev7]](https://olddungeonmaster.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/7_page_charcter_sheet.jpg?w=40&h=40&crop=1){kind=small}
Dungeon Master Assistance 
While I understand your commitment. I am not one to follow a crowd. If anything, I believe d&d has gone backwards. I was not a fan of 4th edition, and it seems to me that they backpedaled. Now I am not saying everything in forth edition was bad. I did like the cantrips system. I hated the monsters and npc system setup. The classes while interesting on the surface, but they were blah. They are now forcing us to go back to that blahness. I cannot really support that. The plans for the future do not look fun. I rather not waste my time playing something mediocre. Life is short.
LikeLike
I agree with you on much of what you are saying. I was seriously considering dropping D&D for something better. One thing that finally pushed me over the edge into my decision to continue playing, and supporting, D&D is its overwhelming popularity. I can go to almost any city, drop into a local game store, and find people who know D&D and want to play. This just isn’t the case with any other TTRPG.
That doesn’t mean that I won’t play other RPGs but I simply don’t think I should give up on D&D. At least not yet.
May I ask, what TTRPG do you prefer?
LikeLike
Nice article. It matches almost dead on with my thinking on the matter. I have not read the new Player’s HB yet as I’ve been too busy selling them (over 200 at MSRP so far). D&D is the gateway drug for RPGs and as you say, it is the one game that most of us have in common.
I am certainly not a fan of the way Hasbro operates due to investor pressures but there could be many other stewards of the brand that would be worse.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your comment. I just finished writing my first review of the new PHB. It only covers the first chapter and the Rules Glossary.
I’ll post it tomorrow.
LikeLike
I believe it’s the community of players that actually own D&D. Sure, WOTC through Hasbro owns the rights to publish, but they don’t control the participants.
Our games are our own. Even if Hasbro was wiped out by a meteor and Wizards of the Coast was swallowed by the earth, we would still play D&D.
Even if we had to name it something else it would still require a d20. In conversation we’d call it D&D.
Whitebox, AD&D , 3e, Pathfinder, 5e, Tales of the Valiant. It doesn’t matter.
Create a character. Kill things. Level up. Repeat. The DM is always right.
I am currently reading ‘Game Wizards’ (listening actually). The amount of drama that surrounded D&D’s beginnings, it’s no wonder that the tradition continues. Who owned D&D in the beginning? Like so many great things it usually starts with polar individuals creating something with great. Lennon & McCartney, Jobs & Wozniak, GaryGygax & Dave Arnesen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well said.
LikeLike