Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) has seen a significant resurgence in popularity over the past decade, breaking into mainstream culture thanks to hits like Netflix’s “Stranger Things” and the best-selling videogame “Baldur’s Gate 3.” The game’s publisher, Wizards of the Coast, has witnessed its annual revenue grow from $761 million in 2019 to $1.17 billion as of October 2024.
With 85 million players worldwide since its introduction in 1974, D&D has become a cultural phenomenon. Jess Lanzillo, head of game design and development, was surprised by this figure, stating “My mind would have been blown” when he first heard it.
Brooklyn’s The Last Place on Earth game shop has also benefited from the game’s popularity, with nearly $110,000 in 2024 revenue from hosting D&D nights. Owner Whitney Wolfe credits D&D for turning around her business, which struggled due to opening before Covid lockdowns began.
The success of D&D can be attributed to a growing cottage industry of streaming shows and podcasts where people play the game in real-time. Shows like “Critical Role” have generated millions in tips and ad revenue, and even raised over $11 million on Kickstarter for an animated TV pilot.
Auburn University professor Dr. Emily Friedman notes that D&D’s intellectual property has become a significant factor in its popularity, with creators outside of Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro ecosystem contributing to its growth.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/28/50-years-in-dungeons-dragons-is-still-popular-and-profitable.html