D&D & Video Games 2E

They Create Worlds

TCW Podcast Episode 223 - D&D & Video Games 2E

In the second part of our exploration of Dungeons & Dragons and its connection to video games, we examine the game’s refinement and rise in popularity. D&D was a groundbreaking experience, brought to life through Gary Gygax’s collaboration with others, particularly Dave Arneson, who developed many of its foundational concepts. The game evolved from miniature wargaming focused on medieval combat, with Tolkien-inspired high fantasy elements added later as an afterthought. These fantasy rules closely resembled those of Rules for Middle Earth but weren’t universally embraced, as some players preferred the realism of traditional wargaming, making it challenging to satisfy both audiences. We also delve into the well-known controversy between Gygax and Arneson and the creation of the Blackmoor campaign setting. We explore how TSR released the original box set and then evolved it into AD&D. Additionally, we examine how RPGs began to take off as a whole new type of game that people could play. Finally, we look at how D&D became embroiled in the cultural backlash of the 1980s "Satanic Panic."

Transcript: https://www.theycreateworlds.com/transcripts/tcw223

Livestream 2024 Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahP86-2H8lc

Playing at the World - Jon Peterson (Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/3YokLZC

The Elusive Shift - Jon Peterson (Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/3C8cHVq

Game Wizards - Jon Peterson (Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/48uCtzi

Leonard Nimoy The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins Full Album Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuQbus0xfhk

Playing at the World - Rules for Middle Earth: https://playingattheworld.blogspot.com/2016/01/a-precursor-to-chainmail-fantasy.html

Knights of the Dinner Table: https://kenzerco.com/

Bunnies & Burrows: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunnies_%26_Burrows

Tunnels & Trolls: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tunnels_%26_Trolls

James Dallas Egbert III: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Dallas_Egbert_III

Chief Wiggum - It Almost Looks Like an Arrow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb5k0iOBdsU

Bake him away Toys!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBOvfN2Y4oo

Mazes & Monsters Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLi422rkUIY

NYT - D&D: Satanic Panic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATUpSPj0x-c

D&D Cartoon Lore Explored: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9lZxOMMufM

Matel D&D Handheld Game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY2OI7sVHjQ

Matel D&D Electronic Labyrinth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STU1I_x0-so

Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (Intellivision): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MDVwAXVJ3w

[Adult Themes] Dark Dungeons Comic: https://www.chick.com/products/tract?stk=0046

[Some Adult Themes] CBS - What was the Satanic Panic?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plEImKEIRm8

(BADD) Bothered About Dungeons & Dragons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7Ies6NVAeA

New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!

TCW Email: [e-mail]

Twitter: @tcwpodcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds

Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com

Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1

Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode - Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode

Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love

Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/