I think it's more about the generation who were kids in the 1st edition days getting to the point in their careers where they have influence and a platform. So

I think it's more about the generation who were kids in the 1st edition days getting to the point in their careers where they have influence and a platform. So you get Stephen Colbert making D&D references, and Dan Harmon writing it into Community, Vin Diesel talking about getting Judi Dench to play while making a film, etc. And for every high-profile person like Colbert or Harmon there are probably a few people on their writing staff with a similar gaming background.