Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is a tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) created by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson and published by Wizards of the Coast. This dynamic game encourages players to explore fantastic settings, flex their creative muscles, and foster connections with others, regardless of whether they are sitting across a table or across the globe. In this volume of The Psychgeist of Pop Culture, we explore psychological concepts relating to the lore, gameplay, and culture of Dungeons & Dragons, with a focus on understanding and showcasing why it is the most influential TTRPG of our time.
“When you play a game like D&D enough, you know instinctively that it is doing something inside your brain. This book is full of essays by experts who do an exceptional job of explaining in layman’s terms the research around what exactly that something is. Not only did I find this book fascinating, it helped explain the mental benefits of roleplay I’ve always felt but not totally understood.”
– Kate Welch, celebrity Dungeon Master and former D&D game designer
“An insightful and super approachable look at the psychology of D&D—all grounded in the authors’ obvious love for the game! These essays will get you thinking about how the way we play shapes who we are, brings us together, and helps us grow as people.”
– Ginny Di, D&D YouTuber
