Overview of Chris Perkins’ Retirement from Wizards of the Coast
- Chris Perkins, a pivotal figure in the development of Dungeons and Dragons, has officially retired after a remarkable 28-year tenure at Wizards of the Coast.
- During his time, Perkins played an instrumental role in the success of Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition, frequently representing the brand at public appearances.
- While fans lament his departure, they express gratitude for his significant contributions and look forward to his journey as a fan of the game.
Chris Perkins, the esteemed creative director of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D), has concluded his illustrious career at Wizards of the Coast, marking 28 years with the organization. As he transitions into retirement, Perkins eagerly anticipates engaging with the beloved franchise as an enthusiastic fan.
In discussions about contemporary Dungeons and Dragons, Chris Perkins is often among the first names that enthusiasts mention. He became one of the public faces of D&D alongside lead rules designer Jeremy Crawford, frequently participating in streams, panels, and other promotional activities as he shared insights into the workings of Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition and its evolving content.
As of April 4, Perkins announced his retirement on Twitter and Bluesky, revealing that he has officially left Wizards of the Coast. Having celebrated Dungeons and Dragons through its 50th anniversary and witnessed the dynamic launch of revised core rulebooks, Perkins considers his departure a fitting conclusion to an extraordinary chapter of his career. “This is the perfect fairytale ending for me,”he noted, expressing excitement about returning to the game purely as a fan.
A Glimpse into Chris Perkins’ Iconic Legacy in Dungeons and Dragons
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
With nearly three decades devoted to the D&D community, Perkins has been an integral part of the franchise since shortly after the Advanced D&D Revised Edition hit the shelves. His journey began as an editor for Dungeon magazine, and he contributed to the official Star Wars: Saga Edition Roleplaying D&D tie-in. Perkins also took the lead in crafting compelling narratives for popular campaigns like Curse of Strahd, ultimately ascending to the roles of game design architect and eventually creative director.
Beyond his development work, Perkins has made significant contributions to the actual play scene. He served as the dungeon master for Acquisitions Incorporated for over a decade before transitioning the role to Crawford in 2018. Additionally, he played in the popular series Dice, Camera, Action! until its conclusion in 2019. He also guest-starred on the well-known livestream Critical Role, where he portrayed characters in both Campaign 1 and Campaign 2.
As the D&D community reflects on Perkins’ departure from Wizards of the Coast, sentiments of sadness are met with appreciation for his vast contributions to the franchise. Fans are curious about his future endeavors and whether he will continue to make appearances in any capacity. Regardless of the path he chooses, the D&D community recognizes the substantial impact he has left behind, and the team at Wizards of the Coast has formidable shoes to fill as they move forward.