A short Frowned Upon history of D&D

In my desire to learn to play Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) which is often and quite rightly considered the cornerstone of tabletop role-playing games (RPGs), I have delved into its rich and storied history dating back to the early 1970s.

D&D was one of the inspirations behind the name ‘Frowned Upon’ as this was the original thing that caused outrage with parents, and was deemed wrong, satanic or frowned upon.

Roll for initiative

The origins of D&D can be traced to the imagination of Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. In 1971, Gygax began developing a game called Chainmail, a medieval miniature wargame. Arneson, inspired by Chainmail, introduced elements of individual character development and storytelling into his own gaming sessions.

In 1974, Gygax and Arneson collaborated to create Dungeons & Dragons, publishing the first edition of the game through Gygax’s company, Tactical Studies Rules (TSR). The game revolutionised tabletop gaming by introducing a unique blend of fantasy storytelling, improvisation, and structured gameplay.

The early editions of D&D, characterised by simple rules and a focus on dungeon exploration and combat, quickly gained popularity among gaming enthusiasts. The game’s success led to the development of additional rulebooks and expansions, expanding the game’s scope and complexity.

1980’s onwards

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, D&D continued to evolve, with TSR releasing multiple editions and supplements to cater to the growing fan base. The game’s influence extended beyond tabletop gaming, inspiring novels, video games, and even a cartoon series.

In 1997, TSR faced financial difficulties and was acquired by Wizards of the Coast, a gaming company known for its popular card game, Magic: The Gathering. Under Wizards of the Coast’s stewardship, D&D underwent a revitalisation, culminating in the release of the third edition of the game in 2000.

A new millenium for D&D

The third edition of D&D introduced significant changes to the game mechanics, including the adoption of the d20 System, a unified set of rules for resolving actions. This edition proved to be immensely popular, attracting a new generation of players and revitalising interest in the game.

Subsequent editions, including the fourth edition released in 2008 and the fifth edition released in 2014, continued to refine and expand upon the core concepts of D&D while maintaining the game’s accessibility and flexibility.

Modern Day D&D

With the advent of online platforms and digital tools, D&D continues to thrive in the digital age. YouTubers like the Oxventurers Guild and Critical Role have had a huge part to play in bringing D&D into popular culture once more. There are even theatrical versions being made by Twenty-Sided Tavern.

2023 saw the release of the critically acclaimed video game Baldurs Gate 3. The game is based on the world of D&D and even plays the same with random dice roles deciding your fate.

The Big Show Paul White, Jon Favreau, Felicia Day, Matthew Lillard, Gerard Way, Vin Diesel, Ashley Johnson, and even Dame Judy Dench have all played the table-top experience.

Today, Dungeons & Dragons remains one of the most iconic and influential tabletop RPGs in the world, beloved by millions of players for its immersive storytelling, collaborative gameplay, and endless creative possibilities ensuring that the legacy of Gygax and Arneson’s visionary creation endures for generations to come.