Chris Perkins Bids Farewell to Wizards of the Coast After 28 Years
Chris Perkins, a cornerstone in the development of Dungeons & Dragons, has announced his retirement from Wizards of the Coast after an impressive 28-year career. Reflecting on his departure, Perkins expressed a sense of fulfillment, stating, “I can’t wait to enjoy D&D purely as a fan again, knowing the game is in good hands.” This announcement comes on the heels of the TTRPG’s 50th anniversary and the successful release of its updated rulebooks, which are performing exceptionally well in the market.
The Perfect Farewell for a D&D Legend
On a Friday announcement, Perkins described his retirement as achieving a “perfect fairytale ending.” Previous to this, he stepped back from his role as D&D’s product lead following the publication of the Dungeon Master’s Guide in October 2024. A representative from Wizards of the Coast reassured fans at the time that Perkins was not leaving the company altogether but transitioning to a new position.
Today I retire from Wizards after 28 years. With D&D’s 50th anniversary wrapping up and the revised rulebooks doing gangbusters, this is the perfect fairytale ending for me. I can’t wait to enjoy D&D purely as a fan again, knowing the game’s in good hands. See you in the Feywild! pic.twitter.com/YWV4hlEPg6
— Christopher Perkins (@ChrisPerkinsDnD) April 4, 2025
Chris Perkins: The Journey Through Dungeons & Dragons
Perkins began his career in the tabletop gaming world in 1988 under the pseudonym “Christopher Zarathurstra,” writing an adventure for Dungeon Magazine #11. He officially joined Wizards of the Coast in 1997, serving as an editor before rising to editor-in-chief of the company’s publications. Over the decades, Perkins became an influential figure in the D&D community, contributing to both the fourth and fifth editions of the game and crafting the acclaimed Curse of Strahd module.
Pioneering the Actual Play Movement
Beyond writing and editing, Perkins played a pivotal role in popularizing the Actual Play genre. His engaging D&D games at major fan conventions such as PAX, along with his Twitch show Dice, Camera, Action and guest appearances on Critical Role, brought D&D into the spotlight and helped cultivate a thriving community of fans.
A Legacy of Impact
In light of Perkins’ retirement, the Dungeons & Dragons team acknowledged his monumental contributions, stating, “D&D would not be what it is today without his numerous contributions… While we are incredibly sad to see him go, we welcome him at our game any day.” They emphasized how Perkins influenced the next generation of leadership within the company.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chris Perkins and Dungeons & Dragons
How did Chris Perkins influence Dungeons & Dragons?
Chris Perkins significantly shaped the Dungeons & Dragons game through his work on various editions, including the creation of popular modules like Curse of Strahd. He also helped to launch the Actual Play craze, which brought D&D game-play into the mainstream via platforms such as Twitch.
What will Chris Perkins do after retirement?
After retirement, Chris Perkins plans to enjoy Dungeons & Dragons as a fan, stepping back from the pressures of development to relish in the game from a different perspective.
What is Chris Perkins’ legacy in tabletop gaming?
With a career spanning nearly three decades, Perkins leaves behind a rich legacy characterized by creativity, mentorship, and a deep-seated passion for the game. His impact on the D&D community and the broader tabletop gaming culture is celebrated and will be felt for years to come.