The battle-hardened warriors of the tabletop have turned their attention from fantasy foes to real-world villains – and it's proving to be a game-changer. Players of Dungeons & Dragons and other TTRPGs are joining forces with activists, artists, and even politicians to raise millions for social justice causes and take on the 'corporate elite'. This unlikely alliance is rewriting the rulebook on activism and showing that when gamers unite, they can conquer the world – or at least make a significant dent in it.
One thrilling example of this new breed of gaming activism unfolded recently in LA's Fonda Theatre. Six local city council candidates took to the stage for an epic battle against corporate villains and an evil dragon, guided by comedian and Dungeon Master Brennan Lee Mulligan – the mastermind behind YouTube sensations Critical Role and Dimension 20. The campaign was a resounding success, netting an impressive £23,000 (approximately $30,000) for the city's primary election in June, with five of the participating candidates either re-elected or advancing to the general election in November.
Academics and organisers are hailing this grassroots movement as more than just a novelty – it's a natural extension of the gaming community's innate sense of purpose. Emily Friedman, an English professor at Auburn University who specialises in TTRPGs, notes that these communities are highly responsive to calls to action, driven by a deep-seated feeling of belonging and shared identity. For many players, often from underrepresented groups such as people of colour, women, the LGBTQ+ community, and neurodivergent individuals, D&D provides a safe space and 'found family', with its core conceit of battling against evil resonating deeply.
The battle to create change extends far beyond electoral politics. Online and in-person TTRPG campaigns are springing up to raise money for games that critique government policies and educate people on how to help those most affected by social issues – from the rise of AI, seen as a threat to human creativity, to attacks on transgender rights and other marginalised communities. Interestingly, Wizards of the Coast, D&D's parent company, banned AI art development in 2023, contrasting sharply with the wider video game industry where AI integration is increasingly prevalent.
The secret ingredient behind this fundraising success? 'Actual play' – performing TTRPGs for an audience. Popularised by series like Critical Role, which boasts over 2.8 million YouTube subscribers, this format has proven incredibly effective in galvanising donations and engagement. The communal storytelling and shared experience inherent in these games provide a powerful platform for mobilisation, allowing players to critique existing systems and imagine alternative worlds – all while raising significant sums for their chosen causes.