Dungeons and Dragons

It is a sci-fi/fantasy role-playing game where characters go on adventures in order to find money and increase their popularity... or maybe just for fun.

First topic: Changes of the game

The game was originally created in 1974 by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. Three booklets were included in the package to help one learn how to pla.

The 1st edition included very little to begin with- only a few monsters and character choices. Advanced D&D (AD&D) included more rules and other extensions; the second edition of AD&D expanded even more. The third edition of AD&D (now called only D&D) removed character restrictions from previous games and the "third-and-a-half" edition revised these rules even further.

Created in 2008, several revisions made it easier for newer players to get used to the game. Rules for fighting are one example.

D&D has been modified into an online version where characters can play against each other from around the world. Board games were also created for players that don't want to take too long setting up.

D&D Next is the next edition of the game, scheduled to come out this summer for the 40th anniversary of the game. Over the years, one might notice the simplification of the game- reminiscent of the today's world compared to the past. It reminds me, personally, of the demographic transition...

Second topic: Cultural impact

Books, like graphic novels, have been created that recount the adventures of fictional characters.

Movies and TV shows also mention the game on occasion. SNL has made a skit that has to do with the game. TV shows, like Futurama, The Simpsons, and The Big Bang Theory have included references to the game. The movie E.T. also included a reference.

Several famous people have played D&D, including Mike Meyers, Robin Williams, and James Franco.

T-shirts, phone cases, belts and more have been created that bear the D&D logo.

The diffusion of the game throughout popular culture has made it extremely easy for people to begin playing.

Final topic: Geography in the game

Places in the game play a role as characters go on adventures- the uniqueness and culture of each place makes the adventure that much more interesting.

Going deeper into places, the Mortal World is only one of several planes in the game. The Shadowfell- a more negative representation of the world and The Feywild, a more positive representation of the world, are two more.

Races in the game include Humans, Dwarves, Elves, and Orcs. Each race has its own culture...

Culture in the game creates a sense of diversity. Differences in languages, rituals, and religion are some examples of cultural diversity. This is Draconian writing.

Essentially, the diversity in the game is all put together to make each individual's personal adventure one of a kind.