From Dallas's Disappearance to the Rise of D&D: A Game-Fueled Cultural Phenomenon
2025-05-24
In 1979, the disappearance of teenage prodigy James Dallas Egbert III sparked a media frenzy linking his vanishing to the then-new game Dungeons & Dragons. Celebrity detective William Dear's investigation fueled the fire, leading to widespread panic and ultimately, unexpected popularity for the game. This article recounts the author's personal journey into the world of D&D, starting at age 11, and explores the game's fascinating history, from its origins to its current mainstream status, weaving together a compelling narrative about games, culture, and social phenomena.