John Crawford (author)

John Crawford is an American author, primarily known for his contributions to role-playing game design and development, particularly for Wizards of the Coast. He is most recognized for his work on the fifth edition of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), where he served as the lead rules designer and managing editor.

Crawford's responsibilities on D&D 5e included shaping the core rules, resolving design issues, and ensuring consistency across the various sourcebooks and supplementary materials. He played a significant role in defining the game's mechanics, balance, and overall play experience. He frequently provided clarifications on rules interpretations through online channels, becoming a prominent figure in the D&D community.

Prior to his work on D&D 5e, Crawford contributed to other D&D editions and various game lines published by Wizards of the Coast. He has been involved in aspects of game development ranging from initial design to editing and final production.

Crawford's influence on the current iteration of D&D has been substantial, contributing to its widespread popularity and critical acclaim. He is often cited as a key figure in the success of D&D 5e, shaping its accessibility and engaging gameplay.