A game built around the concept of “If you can imagine it, you can do it,” Dungeons &
Dragons has provided a framework for millions of people to explore their imagination in a
unique way. These worlds we co-create are rich with detail and often take on a life of their
own, spanning years of players’ lives. But what if that life becomes a nefarious microcosm
of the very issues, we, as a society, struggle with? What if it promotes oppression instead of
community? Is it Wizards of the Coast’s responsibility to help change that narrative?
Over the last few years, Wizards of the Coast has made considerable efforts to remove
aspects of its world that perpetuate negative racial stereotypes. For example, the racial
modifiers for Dark Elves—once described as naturally evil—have been changed to allow for
a more diverse and inclusive playing experience when using species like Orcs and Dark
Elves. These changes have met with some negative feedback from a small minority of
players who argue that, in a fantasy world, there are truly evil beings, from liches to
demons, and therefore the same moral standards should not apply as in reality.
Some aspects of fictional worlds should remain within the realm of fantasy, just as some
aspects of our reality need not infiltrate every part of our imagined worlds. We often use
these spaces to escape the harshness of life, so why does it matter?
Both approaches can coexist. Wizards of the Coast has made it clear that these updates
are meant to improve the player experience and allow for more complex character
motivations for previously one-dimensional species. The resistance to these updates seems
rooted in conservative outrage over the replacement of the word “race” with “species,” used
as a talking point in the broader culture war against “wokeism,” whatever that may mean.
Sam from Red Nails 2 comic book shop says, “These kinds of things (games) need to
continue to change,” and I couldn’t agree more. Role-playing games have never been more
popular than they are today, and Dungeons & Dragons—the first and most successful
franchise in the tabletop role-playing community—must continue to evolve. Staying relevant
means adapting to the cultural norms of the day.
A game that allows players more freedom, more options, and ultimately, more inclusivity,
ensures that everyone can find representation in the worlds they build. People deserve
spaces that respect individuality and celebrate the diversity that makes imagination thrive.