Jeremy Crawford, architect of the fifth edition of D&D Leave Maghi on the coast after almost two decades

When someone likes Jeremy Crawfordone of the creative pillars of Dungeons & Dragons Over the past 18 years, he announces his march, it is impossible not to think about what it means for the future of the most famous role -playing game in the world. What looked like a solid journey into the Wizards of the Coast is over. And yes, this has captured more than one completely abruptly.

Jeremy Crawford Deja Wizards of the Coast

In a direct and emotional message shared through social networks, Crawford confirmed that he leaves Wizards of the Coast: “Today I leave Wizards of the Coast to undertake new adventures. I can’t wait to see the great things that come for D&D and I hope to meet many of you in the conventions in the coming years!”.

Crawford is not a name in the D&D universe. He joined the team in 2007, just when the game was about to go from the 3.5 edition to the fourth edition. Not only did he contribute to modeling that controversial phase of the game as responsible for the rules, but later he became the Main co-design of the fifth editionthe most popular to date. This edition, launched in 2014, revitalized the community and opened the doors to a new generation of players.

The most recent in its inheritance is the redesign that the house prepares by 2024, what many know as “Fifth edition 5.5“

What comes to Dungeons & Dragons now?

Although Wizards of the Coast has not made official comments on Crawford’s replacement, it is clear that his departure scores before and after. His presence was not only noticed in the development of the rules, but also as Visible faceparticipating in interviews, presentations and events.

In one of his latest public appearances, in February of this year, Crawford spoke to Comics resources On the new Monsters Who is preparing: “Our great bet is the completely new epic content in the manual monster. It is our way of saying: we believe in the high level game and this manual supports it”.

His words now resonate more than everSince it was not just modeling a product, but reaffirmed a design philosophy that was connected to millions of fans.

The evolution of D&D under his command

Since his arrival at Wizards of the Coast, Jeremy Crawford has worked side by side with designers, publishers, illustrators and creatives of all types of modeling the D&D universe as we know it. Its influence is visible on almost every page of current books. And it was not only mechanical: his vision helped the game to be more inclusive, accessible and narratively powerful.

During his years as the main designer, The fifth edition reached what seemed impossible: United veterans of the editions passed with new players attracted from mouth to mouth, contraction, youtube and series such as Critical role. Thanks to this edition, D&D has experienced a real rebirth in the digital era.

And now what adventures are waiting for you?

Crawford did not give clear clues on what his next step will be. But if something clarified is that it will not completely move away from the community. His farewell phrase “,That all your adventures are magical“, Leave us the door to see it in new collaborations, projects or, who knows, perhaps even a game of its own.

What is clear is that your inheritance will last. Its rules, design decisions and game philosophy were recorded in flames in the history of Dungoons & Dragons. And although his departure leaves a hole difficult to fill, he also opens the possibility of seeing new voices, new styles and a new direction for the game.

In the meantime, fans will have to wait to see how this March will influence the development of future books and products. And, of course, if that long “fifth 5.5” edition manages to maintain magic without one of its main alchemists.