A Farewell to a Legend: Christopher Perkins Retires from Wizards of the Coast

The Dungeons & Dragons community is bidding a fond farewell to a true icon. After an incredible 28-year career at Wizards of the Coast, Christopher Perkins has announced his retirement.

Perkins shared the news via a heartfelt post on Bluesky, revealing that with the successful culmination of D&D’s 50th anniversary celebrations and the launch of the new 2024 core rulebooks, it felt like the perfect “fairytale ending” to his remarkable journey. He expressed confidence in the future of the franchise, emphasizing that it’s in capable hands, and shared his excitement to experience D&D purely as a fan.

Today I retire from Wizards of the Coast 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 is in good hands. See you in the Feywild!

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— Christopher Perkins (@chrisperkinsdnd.bsky.social) April 4, 2025 at 1:00 PM

Wizards of the Coast officially confirmed Perkins’ departure through the Dungeons & Dragons social media channels. Their post on Bluesky conveyed deep gratitude for his decades of dedication, acknowledging that D&D would not be the beloved game it is today without his invaluable contributions.

While at D&D, Chris mentored the next generation of leaders who are stepping up as he moves on to enjoy his retirement. D&D is in good hands with the team.

— Dungeons & Dragons (@dndbeyond.com) April 4, 2025 at 1:39 PM

A Legacy Etched in Dice and Story:

Christopher Perkins’ impact on D&D is immeasurable. He joined Wizards of the Coast in 1997 as an editor for Dungeon magazine, quickly rising through the ranks to become a senior producer. Notably, he played a key role in the development of the Star Wars Saga Edition TTRPG.

His insightful blog, “The Dungeon Master Experience,” became a go-to resource for DMs seeking wisdom and guidance, offering practical advice and fostering a sense of community.

However, Perkins’ most significant contributions arguably came with Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition. As Senior Story Designer, he shaped the very narrative fabric of the game. He also spearheaded the creation of two of 5e’s most celebrated modules: Curse of Strahd, a chilling reimagining of the classic Castle Ravenloft, and The Wild Beyond the Witchlight, a whimsical adventure through the Feywild.

A Beloved Public Figure:

Beyond his design work, Perkins was a prominent and beloved figure within the D&D community. He served as the Dungeon Master for Penny Arcade’s hilarious actual play series, Acquisitions Incorporated, hosted the popular Twitch livestream, Dice, Camera, Action!, and made memorable guest appearances on Critical Role.

His final project as product lead, the 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide, stands as a testament to his dedication and skill, offering a polished and comprehensive update to the core rules.

Christopher Perkins’ retirement marks the end of an era. His passion, creativity, and unwavering commitment to Dungeons & Dragons have left an indelible mark on the game and its community. While he will be deeply missed, his legacy will continue to inspire countless adventures for generations to come. We wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement and look forward to seeing him enjoy D&D from the other side of the screen.