Dungeons & Dragons has always been something of a phenomenon since its release in 1974. What started as a simple project between two creative minds - Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson - became much more. Despite its massive success and popularity, few fans know much about the history of Dungeons & Dragons.

RELATED: Ranked: The Best D&D Campaigns Of All Time

The fantasy tabletop RPG's past is brimming with unusual details and oddities unknown to most. Even those around during the creation of the Original Dungeons & Dragons may not know of particular instances. While it is not of the utmost importance, it is fascinating to learn of this beloved tabletop RPG's remarkable history.

10 It Was Originally A Wargame Add-On

Chainmail Wargame Art

While Dungeons & Dragons is now its own system, it originally was a wargame add-on. Gary Gygax and Dave Anderson marketed it as a fantasy variation of the widely popular Chainmail wargame. Despite not being an independent game, Original Dungeons & Dragons amassed a large fanbase and immense popularity.

So much so that its creators abandoned Chainmail to create an entirely new game, unlike any other. Even though it shifted away from its wargame roots, Dungeons & Dragons retained some elements of its past. Thus, is why combat remains a notable - and alluring - adventuring pillar of the franchise.

9 Original D&D Had A $2000 Budget

Original Dungeons & Dragons Art

Dungeons & Dragons is among the highest-grossing tabletop RPGs of all time. This fact alone is surprising considering the funding behind the creation of the Original Dungeons & Dragons. In truth, it is remarkable that such a renowned franchise was able to ascend beyond such humble beginnings.

RELATED: Low-Budget Games That Made A Ton Of Money

The production budget for the Original Dungeons & Dragons was a measly $2000. Moreover, only $100 was allocated towards artwork while the rest went into production. Even so, the Original Dungeons & Dragons sold over 1000 copies in the first year and thousands more in the years to come - thus ensuring its success.

8 It Was The First Of Its Kind

dungeons and dragons

During the year 1974, tabletop RPGs were nonexistent, but wargames reigned supreme. This tabletop genre valued strategy and combat above all else, essentially mimicking warfare. While the Original Dungeons & Dragons presented itself as a wargame add-on, it offered something much different, individuality and creativity.

Instead of leading military formations or entire armies, players created and controlled characters of their design. The unique experience that the Original Dungeons & Dragons provided developed into the tabletop RPG genre. This never-before-seen creation is what garnered the franchise much fame and influence.

7 Numerous Tabletop RPGs Followed D&D

A Split Image Of Tunnels & Trolls And Pathfinder

After a year of unprecedented success, the Original Dungeons & Dragons inspired the creation of numerous tabletop RPGs. While many attempted to recreate Dungeons & Dragon's success, most failed in their pursuit, like Tunnels & Trolls. However, a noteworthy few maintained popularity even to this day, such as Pathfinder.

RELATED: Dungeons And Dragons VS Pathfinder: Which Should You Place First?

In truth, the Original Dungeons & Dragons laid the groundwork for countless tabletop RPGs. Even though most differ in playstyle and system, each can attribute their creation to Dungeons & Dragons, as it took the first step. Hence is why one cannot appreciate other tabletop RPGs without giving credit to Dungeons & Dragons.

6 It Endured Many Controversies

Dungeons & Dragons Demons

Throughout its humble beginnings, Dungeons & Dragons endured a significant number of controversies, especially involving religious groups. Its numerous fantastical themes and emphasis on immersion were subject to criticism. Thus, leading to countless controversial issues regarding Dungeons & Dragons and its fanbase.

The most critical and pressing claims were that Dungeons & Dragons promoted Satanism, insanity, and insensitive thought. These controversies threatened the franchise constantly and nearly resulted in its downfall. Fortunately, Dungeons & Dragons rose above adversity, proving to be a harmless and positive tabletop RPG.

5 There Wasn't Consistency Until 3rd Edition

Dungeons & Dragons 3rd Edition Art

Despite its success, earlier editions of Dungeons & Dragons lacked any semblance of consistency. Essentially, it was the wild west of tabletop RPGs and, as such, loosely followed any structure. So, much of the rules and styles of play were determined entirely by the players. Thus, making earlier editions of Dungeons & Dragons customizable yet confusing.

RELATED: Dungeons & Dragons: Which Edition Should You Play?

There was not any noticeable consistency until the release of Dungeons & Dragons 3rd Edtion. This version implemented a more modern system that possessed better-developed rules and structure, thus providing a more unified basis of play that still maintained a degree of customization. From then on, Dungeons & Dragons has remained more or less consistent.

4 There Was A D&D TV Show

Dungeons & Dragons TV Show

Dungeons & Dragons garnered enough popularity to influence the production of a TV show set in its universe. It ran from 1983 to 1985 on the CBS network, completing three seasons until its abrupt cancellation. While older fans may remember this televised rendition of the franchise, it is largely unknown to the modern masses.

The Dungeons & Dragons TV show follows the adventures of a group of friends in the franchise's fantastical universe. With the guidance of the Dungeon Master, they carry out adventurers while searching for a way home. Despite its popularity, the Dungeons & Dragons TV show ended prematurely due to various complications.

3 There Was A D&D Movie Trilogy

Dungeons & Dragons Movie Scene

With the creation of a Dungeons & Dragons TV show, a movie was essentially a guarantee. What was not expected, however, was the release of an entire trilogy. From the year 2000 to 2012, a total of three Dungeons & Dragons films appeared in theaters. Despite the franchise's popularity, none were even remotely successful.

RELATED: Justice Smith Promises A 'Funny As Hell' Dungeons & Dragons Movie

The failure of the Dungeons & Dragons trilogy is due to numerous shortcomings. Chiefly, a lack of seriousness and depth made it more akin to a parody film more than anything. Hopefully, the upcoming Dungeons & Dragons (2023) movie will not repeat the same mistakes, thus producing a respectful film adaptation.

2 It Inspired A Thriller Movie

Mazes & Monsters Poster Art

Just as the popularity of Dungeons & Dragons inspired TV shows and movies, so did its controversies. The year 1982 saw the release of the film Mazes & Monsters, a social commentary against the famous tabletop RPG. During this time, the masses believed Dungeons & Dragons evoked loneliness, depression, and violence in adolescents. Therefore, granting Mazes & Monsters some faulty credence.

While now it seems ridiculous, at the time, Mazes & Monsters was a significant threat to tabletop RPG fans. Chiefly, it was due to a disappearance investigation involving a Dungeons & Dragons player, fueling hysteria. Fortunately, with controversial claims thwarted, tabletop RPG fans were able to play in peace. While the film itself was terrible, it provided Tom Hanks his first leading role, thus granting him more status.

1 There Is A National D&D Day

Dungeons & Dragons Books And Dice

Surprisingly, not many Dungeons & Dragons fans know that there is a National D&D Day. On November 5th, fans and newcomers alike come together to appreciate the venerable tabletop RPG. While most who celebrate are Dungeons & Dragons fans, all who have engrossed themselves in tabletops or video games should take time to revere the tabletop RPG.

In truth, many popular games - tabletop or otherwise - can accredit numerous elements to Dungeons & Dragons. Hence, is why Wizards of the Coast has marked November 5th as a day of commemoration. Not only to celebrate Dungeons & Dragons but all that followed as well. So, all should mark November 5th on their calendars and set aside time to honor the tabletop RPG.

MORE: Dungeons & Dragons: Best Subclasses From 5e Expansions