Overview of Jeremy Crawford’s Departure from Wizards of the Coast
- Jeremy Crawford, a key figure in the development of 5th Edition Dungeons and Dragons, will leave Wizards of the Coast after an extensive 18-year tenure.
- Despite their departures, Crawford and Chris Perkins’ exit has been planned and will not disrupt the game’s release timeline.
- Crawford’s decision comes post the successful rollout of the 2024 rules refresh for Dungeons and Dragons.
Jeremy Crawford, the game director behind Dungeons and Dragons, is set to conclude his role at Wizards of the Coast by the end of this month, marking the end of an impactful 18-year career. As a driving force behind the revitalized 5th Edition of Dungeons and Dragons, Crawford’s impending departure raises questions, but it has been confirmed that the current release schedule for the game will remain unaffected by his exit.
Today, Jeremy Crawford is synonymous with Dungeons and Dragons. His contributions have shaped the TTRPG landscape, making him a recognizable presence in various media, alongside Chris Perkins, former creative director who left the company earlier this April.
As noted by Jess Lanzillo, Vice President of Franchise and Product for Dungeons and Dragons, Crawford’s departure is a well-considered decision. He will leave after having successfully completed the final text for the 2024 rules refresh for 5th Edition, choosing to step back after years of dedicated work.
Crawford’s Exiting from the Dungeons and Dragons Community
Crawford began his journey in tabletop role-playing games with Green Ronin Publishing, contributing to projects like Blue Rose and Mutants & Masterminds before joining Wizards of the Coast in 2007. Initially involved in 4th Edition as a game designer, he rose through the ranks to become the co-lead designer of 5th Edition, collaborating closely with Mike Mearls. Under his leadership, Dungeons and Dragons evolved into a more inclusive and approachable experience for players, a mission he continued with the latest updates for the 2024 Player’s Handbook, Dungeon Master’s Guide, and Monster Manual.
As Crawford and Perkins prepare to leave, the search for replacements in their executive positions begins. Lanzillo hinted that notable figures such as James Wyatt, Wes Schneider, and Justice Arman may take on significant responsibilities in the future. Both Crawford and Perkins exhibit confidence in the current team, which has been increasingly involved in leadership roles on various projects over the past years.
While the news of their departures took some in the community by surprise, it appears these transitions have been part of a calculated plan within Wizards of the Coast. Enthusiasts can rest assured that the previously announced Dungeons and Dragons products scheduled for 2025 will remain on track. Fans can look forward to an array of exciting sourcebooks throughout the year.