Beyond the tabletop: can D and D support social and emotional wellbeing?

Featuring across a range of pop culture, including hit series Stranger Things, the timeless tabletop game, Dungeons and Dragons celebrated its 50^th anniversary this year.

Known for its interactivity and role playing, the game has attracted major attention, seeing a surge in online searches.

But is it more than just a fantasy based-game? A number of industry experts suggest D and D can offer a range of therapeutic and pro-social benefits.

So, what can the game bring to therapy spaces for emotional health and could it help people who are neurodivergent or living with disability?

Image: Flickr: Ian Oreco CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Produced By: Emma Wotzke

Featured In Story: Dr Susannah Emery, narrative designer and Lecturer of Game Design and Digital Media – University of South Australia , Michael Keady – Counselor Registered with Australian Counselling Association , , and

First aired on The Wire, Thursday 29th February 2024