Chris Perkins Retires from Wizards of the Coast After 28 Legendary Years in Dungeons & Dragons

Lead: Chris Perkins, a pivotal figure in the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) community and longtime designer at Wizards of the Coast, has officially announced his retirement after an impressive 28-year tenure. This groundbreaking announcement comes as the iconic tabletop RPG celebrates its 50th anniversary and following the successful launch of revised rulebooks that have been well-received by fans. In a moving statement shared on Twitter, Perkins expressed his joy at retiring with a “perfect fairytale ending” and excitement for what lies ahead as he re-engages with the game he loves as a fan.

Chris Perkins: A Legacy in Tabletop Gaming

Perkins’s journey in the tabletop gaming industry began in 1988, showcasing a passion for storytelling and creativity that would elevate Dungeons & Dragons to new heights.

– **Early Career**: Chris began under the pen name “Christopher Zarathurstra,” contributing to *Dungeon Magazine* with the adventure “Wards of Witching Ways.”
– **Joining Wizards of the Coast**: He officially joined Wizards in 1997, serving initially as an editor for *Dungeon*, and eventually became editor-in-chief of Wizards periodicals.
– **Notable Contributions**: Throughout his career, Perkins contributed significantly to both the fourth and fifth editions of D&D and created iconic modules such as *Curse of Strahd*.

Popularizing Actual Play

Perkins played a crucial role in bringing the Actual Play genre to mainstream audiences, which has led to a resurgence in the popularity of tabletop RPGs.

– **PAX Events**: He showcased D&D gameplay at major events like PAX, drawing large crowds and gaining immense popularity.
– **Twitch Shows**: Perkins hosted *Dice, Camera, Action*, a Twitch show that contributed significantly to the online D&D community, while also guest-starring on the widely popular *Critical Role* series.

Reflections on Retirement

In his poignant retirement announcement, Perkins expressed deep appreciation for his time at Wizards and the connections he forged within the community.

> “With D&D’s 50th anniversary wrapping up and the revised rulebooks doing gangbusters, this is the perfect fairytale ending for me,” Perkins stated. “I can’t wait to enjoy D&D purely as a fan again, knowing the game’s in good hands.”

– **Trading In Leadership for Leisure**: Perkins intends to immerse himself back into the fan experience of Dungeons & Dragons without the pressures that come with his previous role.
– **Community Response**: The D&D team recognized Perkins’s contributions, stating, “D&D would not be what it is today without his numerous contributions.”

The Future of Dungeons & Dragons

As Chris Perkins steps away from his leadership role, he acknowledges a promising future for the franchise he helped evolve over the decades.

– **New Leadership**: Perkins has mentored several emerging leaders in the community, ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining the game’s innovative spirit.
– **Fan Engagement**: Perkins encouraged the D&D community, reminding them they can always count on past champions to return as players and storytellers.

Conclusion: A Fond Farewell to a Tabletop Icon

Chris Perkins’s retirement marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in the history of Dungeons & Dragons. His creative vision and dedication to the tabletop RPG community have transformed the experience for countless players and enthusiasts around the globe. As he takes a step back to enjoy the game from a fan’s perspective, the legacy he leaves behind will continue to shape future adventures in the world of D&D.

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