50 years later, Dungeons & Dragons still brings in millions of dollars—including nearly $110,000 in 2024 for one small Brooklyn businessAfter decades spent as the pinnacle of nerd culture, the popular tabletop game has broken into the mainstream thanks in part to the success of Netflix's mega-hit show"Stranger Things" and the best-selling videogame"Baldur's Gate 3.
The popularity of the in-person events helped turn around the fortunes of a business that struggled thanks in part to opening right before Covid lockdowns began. About 50% of the shop's revenue comes from D&D.Whitney Wolfe owns Last Place on Earth, a Brooklyn board game cafe that hosts popular Dungeons & Dragons nights.
Another show,"Dimension 20," sold out the iconic Madison Square Garden, with fans shelling out an average of $119 to watch comedians play the game onstage.