Dragon Magazine: The Evolution of Dungeons & Dragons' Definitive Periodical
For decades, Dragon Magazine served as the central hub for the tabletop roleplaying game (RPG) community. What began as a modest newsletter for wargaming enthusiasts evolved into a powerhouse of game design, introducing iconic worlds, monsters, and rules that would define the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) experience for generations of players.
Key Facts
- Origins: Started as The Strategic Review in 1975 before becoming The Dragon in 1976.
- Legacy: Served as the birthplace for the Forgotten Realms campaign setting.
- Ownership: Passed from TSR, Inc. to Wizards of the Coast (and parent company Hasbro), and was licensed to Paizo Publishing.
- Digital Shift: Transitioned from print to online formats, eventually evolving into the Dragon+ app.
- Finality: The Dragon+ publication was officially removed from app stores in November 2022.
The TSR Era: From Wargaming to Roleplaying
In 1975, TSR, Inc. launched The Strategic Review. At the time, roleplaying games were considered a subgenre of the wargaming industry—games involving the strategic movement of miniature armies. Consequently, the magazine covered both wargaming and the burgeoning D&D scene.
However, the explosive growth of Dungeons & Dragons quickly proved that RPGs were a distinct industry. By 1976, TSR canceled The Strategic Review after seven issues, splitting its content into two specialized publications: Little Wars for miniature wargaming and The Dragon for roleplaying games. While Little Wars eventually folded into The Dragon at issue 13, The Dragon flourished.
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TSR co-founder Gary Gygax noted that while he hoped the periodical would serve gaming enthusiasts worldwide, he never anticipated its immense success or longevity. The magazine became a vital laboratory for game development; many official rules, spells, and magic items first appeared in its pages. Most notably, creator Ed Greenwood introduced the Forgotten Realms campaign setting through a series of articles in the 1980s, which became an official D&D world in 1987.
Corporate Transitions: Wizards of the Coast and Paizo
In 1997, Wizards of the Coast (WotC) acquired TSR and its intellectual properties. Production moved from Wisconsin to Washington state. Shortly after, in 1999, WotC was purchased by Hasbro, Inc. During this transition, the publication saw minor naming changes, alternating between Dragon Magazine and simply Dragon.
A significant attempt to preserve the magazine's history occurred in 1999 with the Dragon Magazine Archive, a CD-ROM containing the first 250 issues in PDF format. However, this archive eventually went out of print due to legal complexities regarding reprint rights for comic strips—such as Knights of the Dinner Table and Wormy—following the 2001 Greenberg v. National Geographic ruling.
In 2002, the publishing rights were licensed to Paizo Publishing. Paizo integrated Dragon more closely with its sister publication, Dungeon, and introduced Class Acts, a feature providing specialized development ideas for specific character classes.
The Digital Pivot and the End of an Era
The landscape shifted on April 18, 2007, when Wizards of the Coast announced they would not renew Paizo's license, opting instead to move the publication online. The final print editions were released in September 2007. The new digital versions were integrated into the D&D Insider subscription service, coinciding with the launch of D&D 4th Edition.
The digital era faced its own interruptions. In September 2013, editor Chris Perkins announced a hiatus for both Dragon and Dungeon to prepare for the release of D&D 5th Edition. The final online issue, #430, was released in December 2013.
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The final evolution came on April 30, 2015, with the launch of Dragon+. This bi-monthly digital app, created by Dialect and WotC, restarted the numbering system at issue No. 1. It focused on current D&D storylines, developer interviews, and community updates. After 41 issues, Dragon+ was canceled in April 2022 and officially removed from app stores on November 15, 2022.
Publication Timeline Summary
| Era/Publication | Primary Publisher | Format | Key Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Strategic Review | TSR, Inc. | Combined wargaming and RPGs | |
| The Dragon / Dragon Magazine | TSR / WotC | Birth of Forgotten Realms | |
| Dragon (Licensed) | Paizo Publishing | Introduction of Class Acts | |
| Dragon (Online) | Wizards of the Coast | Digital | Integrated with D&D Insider |
| Dragon+ | WotC / Dialect | App | Multimedia and community focus |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original name of Dragon Magazine?
The publication began as The Strategic Review in 1975 before being replaced by The Dragon in June 1976.
How did the Forgotten Realms start?
The Forgotten Realms campaign setting was first introduced to the public through a series of articles written by Ed Greenwood in Dragon during the 1980s.
Why is the Dragon Magazine Archive out of print?
It was withdrawn due to legal issues regarding the reprint rights of various comic strips, influenced by the 2001 Greenberg v. National Geographic ruling.
Who published Dragon Magazine after TSR?
Wizards of the Coast purchased TSR in 1997, and later licensed the publication to Paizo Publishing from 2002 until 2007.
What happened to Dragon+?
Dragon+ ceased publication in April 2022 and was removed from app stores on November 15, 2022, with its website redirected.