Fifty years since it was first created, Dungeons & Dragons (DnD) has long outgrown its original reputation as a niche tabletop role-playing game played mostly in basements or dens.

Today, DnD’s active player base is estimated to be more than 50 million around the world. Whereas the stereotype for DnD players is rooted in its “nerdier” beginnings, now parties are composed of a variety of individuals. This even includes big-time celebrities like the actors Joe Manganiello and Vin Diesel. The former has even been tapped as a writer, ambassador, and consultant for the game’s publisher, Wizards of the Coast.

But what has really helped propel DnD into a global phenomenon now valued at over $15 billion worldwide? It’s the dedication to innovation. Unlike other tabletop games that are doomed by misplaced rigidity for the sake of tradition, DnD has made it its mission to expand and adapt. For instance, DnD has released a number of films and related games. The most notable of these includes 2023’s Game of The Year, Baldur’s Gate 3. Then, there’s also the live-action motion picture Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. Aside from these, another factor that's helped DnD stay relevant is its compatibility with cryptocurrencies. A highly valuable asset class, these digital tokens have a global market cap of more than $3 trillion and are now being widely used across numerous aspects of gaming.

Why cryptocurrencies are becoming more important in lore-heavy games

Because of their virtual and decentralized nature, cryptocurrencies are highly versatile tokens. As a result, it’s relatively easy to integrate them into various aspects of gaming, enriching the ecosystem. One of the most effective ways this is done today is through crypto sports betting. On the leading crypto-only betting platform Thunderpick, this includes placing wagers on popular titles renowned for being rich in lore. This includes titles such as Dota 2, League of Legends (LoL), and Valorant, to name a few. Esports tournaments for these titles are unique because the odds are not just impacted by player performance but also by the very lore in which these gaming universes exist.

For instance, in light of Arcane’s story being recognized as canon, players can expect new skins, play rates, and subsequent win rates as gamers are changing how they choose their champions. This is similar to how DnD’s 5e now sees changes, such as broader player freedom in terms of their player’s alignment. Consequently, they’re not as beholden to the same actions or limitations in-game. Given these nuances, cryptos are a smart betting currency because they offer fast, fee-free transactions. As such, bettors can make more timely deposits, wagers, and even withdrawals amid rapid changes, such as with lore.

In line with the above, cryptos are also now being utilized as a means to add a direct, lucrative initiative to role-playing games. For example, the defi RPG game developer DungeonSwap has released their own play-to-earn model under the same name. Designed to create a user-centric gaming sphere rooted in the nostalgia and world-building culture of RPGs, this digital ecosystem requires players to transact using DND tokens and NFTs. These can then be used either within the game to buy more player items, such as weapons, shields, and magic. Alternatively, they can also be swapped between other players for real-life financial gain. This can, thus, be an incentive not only for players but also for developers to keep the lore-based gaming industry going. Again, this ability to capture long-term attention is part of what keeps DnD going strong.

How crypto can reshape DnD as we know it

Story building

Everyone from the most experienced DM to the most casual DnD player will agree that the story and narrative opportunities of the game are what really make it stand out. Unlike other titles that are controlled by set plotlines, the world of DnD allows players to reimagine it as they see fit. This is why it’s also common for many DMs to create campaigns that tie in other fandoms. Case in point, the very famous DnD streaming channel Critical Role has played many one-shot campaigns wherein other fandoms like Elden Ring have been married in.

Among the most enjoyable ways to keep DnD stories dynamic is through adventure hooks. As we previously discussed in our article entitled, D&D: How Do I Create Great Adventure Hooks? these prompts function not only to keep the ball rolling but also to engage players. While there are many ways to introduce an adventure hook, the use of currencies is a great way to do so, as it actively requires players to consider their inventory, strategy, and surroundings. With this in mind, high-stakes players can level up their campaigns with cryptocurrencies. Since there are more than 13,000 cryptocurrencies on the market to date, it’s easy to find ones that best suit a party’s playing style and willingness to face risks. While these add a level of risk to the game, it’s a way to up the ante for more seasoned DnD fans who want to immerse themselves deeper within their character’s arc. Making use of a currency that’s purely online and not controlled by third parties also ensures that transactions can be done in real time, in light of the DM and players' current state. This is somewhat similar to how many poker high-rollers now use crypto even in private sessions, with the aim of adding a deeper level of excitement to every game.

Fan experiences

Outside of private campaigns, cryptocurrencies can also help connect fans with more DnD experiences. To date, there are a number of opportunities that fans can tap using digital tokens to gain access to things like merch, memorabilia, and even live campaigns. To illustrate, in early January 2025, the highly successful DnD actual play show Dimension 20 will be playing at Madison Square Garden. A concept by the beloved production company Dropout, previously known as College Humor, the show’s campaigns are streamed to millions of fans globally. The January show is already set to sell out completely despite the fact that the venue can seat a whopping 19,000. This positive reception is in line with another feat set by the aforementioned Critical Role earlier in 2024 when they sold out 12,500 seats at Wembley Arena.

The show, which is called “Gauntlet at the Garden”, sells its tickets via Ticketmaster. Amid fiat currencies, this ticketing provider also accepts cryptocurrency payments. Audiences can purchase their tickets using tokens like Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, USDC, Binance Pay, and more. Tickets are sent to the consumer’s email as soon as payment is processed, which, for crypto users, means they are nearly immediate. This is especially helpful, considering such DnD fan experiences can sell out very quickly. Often, those unable to seal the deal fast enough have to make do with marked-up versions. In the Madison Square Garden event, for example, marked-up tickets cost between $300 to $2,000, depending on the seat. For players and DMs who like to indulge in such activities, whether just for fun or to gain inspiration, it’s thus beneficial to have crypto options that may work more economically in the long run.

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A Guide to Understanding Crypto Within DnD