Deborah Ann Woll and Tom Cardy clips attract internet normies to D&D
If I had a nickel for every viral video that convinced thousands of people TTRPGs are cool, actually… I’d have two nickels.
In the span of a week, two videos have swept the internet and brought the light of tabletop RPGs to millions of unsuspecting social media users—and in doing so provided valuable lessons for game designers, actual players, and hobbyists everywhere (the author of this article included) in explaining what, exactly, it is we do. Don’t waste time semi-shamefully trying to explain the nuances of mechanized play-pretend; instead, use existing artistic skills to tap into the innate human desire for storytelling. And, while I might personally use any other game, D&D does the trick in a pinch.
I’ve never even considered playing Dungeons & Dragons. I’m sure I’ve rolled my eyes hard at adults who do. But in under 3 mins, she has me… intrigued. And watching Jon become engaged in real time is fascinating. https://t.co/5pXhxAfVUs
— April (@ReignOfApril) August 16, 2024
The first is a musical sketch by Tiktoker, musician, and Dragon Friends actual player Tom Cardy, based on his experience with Baldur’s Gate 3. Originally posted in September of last year and garnering nearly 10 million views, it was reposted to Twitter on Aug 15 and has amassed nearly 2.5 million views there. While not explicitly an introduction to tabletop gaming, the account reposted it with the caption, “This man explains D&D to me better than anyone else I’ve ever asked…”
