Dungeon Crawler Carl Book Series Becomes Surprise Hit

The LitRPG novel series has sold over 6 million copies and been optioned for TV adaptation.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 5:15am

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The Dungeon Crawler Carl book series by author Matt Dinniman has become an unlikely hit, blending action-adventure storytelling with the mechanics of video and tabletop role-playing games. The series, which has sold over 6 million copies and been optioned for a TV adaptation, follows the story of Carl, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran who finds himself plunged into a real-life version of a dungeon crawler game after aliens wipe out most of Earth's population. The series, which combines elements of The Hunger Games with dark humor, has attracted a devoted fanbase, many of whom dress up as the characters at Dinniman's public appearances.

Why it matters

The success of the Dungeon Crawler Carl series highlights the growing popularity of the LitRPG genre, which blends traditional storytelling with the mechanics of video games. The series has also gained attention for its ability to appeal to both hardcore gamers and non-gamers alike, demonstrating the crossover potential of this type of fiction. Additionally, the series' exploration of themes like corporate exploitation and the power imbalances in society have resonated with readers, making it more than just a frothy gaming tribute.

The details

The Dungeon Crawler Carl series follows the story of Carl, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, who finds himself in a real-life version of a dungeon crawler game after aliens wipe out most of Earth's population. The series combines elements of The Hunger Games, with the desperate straits of the human crawlers contrasted with the bubbly way the spectacle is portrayed by the alien media. The series features a range of gaming mechanics, including character stats, loot, and boss battles, which are described in detail. The series has also gained attention for its dark humor and its exploration of themes like corporate exploitation and the power imbalances in society.

  • The Dungeon Crawler Carl series was first published in 2026, with the eighth book in the series scheduled to be released in May of that year.
  • The series has sold over 6 million copies to date and has been optioned for a TV adaptation by NBCUniversal.

The players

Matt Dinniman

The author of the Dungeon Crawler Carl book series, who began writing the series while working a day job selling drawings of cats at cat shows.

Jeff Hays

The narrator of the Dungeon Crawler Carl audiobooks, who has created distinct voice profiles for the series' scores of characters and has gained a devoted following from fans.

Princess Donut

A Persian show cat who inspired the character of the same name in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, and who eventually acquires the ability to talk, reason, and shoot deadly laser missiles from her eyes.

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What they’re saying

“I know nothing about playing video games (I'm 68), so I thought I'd humor him for an hour or so. I now own all 7 books, digital and audio, plus I'm a paying member of Matt's Patreon. I can't remember being so engaged by a book series.”

— Janiece Mulia

What’s next

The eighth book in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series is scheduled to be released in May 2026.

The takeaway

The success of the Dungeon Crawler Carl series demonstrates the growing popularity of the LitRPG genre, which blends traditional storytelling with the mechanics of video games. The series has also proven that this type of fiction can appeal to a wide range of readers, from hardcore gamers to non-gamers, by combining action-adventure, humor, and deeper themes about power imbalances and corporate exploitation.