New podcast series tells the story of Dungeons and Dragons
A new podcast charts the rise and fall of E. Gary Gygax, co-founder of Dungeon & Dragons and co-founder of the company that produced it, TSR Hobbies.
When We Were Wizards tells of how success can have negatives effects on friendships and families, especially when corrupted by greed, lust and human folly.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the role-playing game, which is still as popular as ever. According to the publisher, Wizards of the Coast, more than 13 million play the game now and more than 50 million have played since it started.
In 2022, Forbes estimated that Dungeons & Dragons generate between $100 and $150 million in annual revenue.
Many well-known names have been fans and influenced by the game including actor Vin Diesel, who said of it: “Playing D&D was a training ground for our imaginations and an opportunity to explore our own identities.
“I stared acting when I was seven and this game was a constant exercise in developing voices and characters.
“I believe now, but probably didn’t realise then, that I was attracted to the artistic outlet the game provided. My D&D journey paralleled my search for identity in those growing years.”
Across 14 episodes, When We Were Wizards is told in the voices of the people who were there, from Gary’s basement in the early 60s to the boardroom coup in 1985 that saw him driven out of the company. It’s a story about unique subcultures, Americana, corporate chaos, history, cautionary tales and human drama.
The podcast draws from more than 30 interviews including Gary’s ex-wife, two children, employees, friends and partners, with many of them telling their story for the first time.
The accepted history of Dungeons & Dragons is based on the story Gary told himself, but the podcast looks beyond it to give a more complete story, challenging assumptions that ultimately humanise and redeem the figures that Gary vilified.
When We Were Wizards is available on all podcast platforms including Apple and Spotify.