Dungeons & Dragons, Satan’s game, joins Fisher-Price’s Little People and the swing as the 2016 inductees to the National Toy Hall of Fame at the Strong Museum of Play.
While other children were outside playing cowboys and we’re cowboys too just evil cowboys, I was inside with my friends playing Dungeons & Dragons, which is technically the same thing, only with less moving and more dice, structure and snacks. The 42 year old tabletop RPG is an amazing outlet for creative-minded children and adults, and while older players may balk at calling it a toy, it has filled that role in younger players’ lives for decades. Besides, the Strong celebrates play, and that’s half of role-playing.
I particularly enjoy the quote from D&D lead designer Mike Mearls that accompanied the announcement.
“D&D has become a rite of passage for children of a creative temperament. It’s incredible to think that what started as the marriage of tabletop wargames and pulp fantasy novels has become the iconic storytelling pastime for multiple generations.”
Along with its fellow 2016 inductees, Dungeons & Dragons joins previous honorees including Barbie, the Atari 2600 and ball. God I love ball. Hit up the official National Toy Hall of Fame page for a full list of celebrated playthings.