Changes to Dungeons and Dragons for Better Representation

Wizards of Coast have cropped up already talking about representation, with the removal of racist images from Magic the Gathering, and they’ve now confirmed changes to representations of characters necessary in Dungeons and Dragons also.

Dungeons and Dragons advise it attempts to be as inclusive as possible, however has included non-human characters characterised as monstrous and evil, but with descriptions that are painfully reminiscent of how real-world ethnic groups are denigrated – orcs and drow being the example provided.

It stated that these are not right, and not believed in, but acknowledge they have failed to make changes regarding these for some time. They have proposed a number of changes which have begun in recent books, whereby Eberron: Rising from the Last War and Explorer's Guide to Wildemount, show orcs and drow as morally complex, as opposed to simply evil.

They have committed to reviewing errors in judgement as each book is reprinted, and referred to Tomb of Annihilation and Curse of Strahd, where racially insensitive text was removed, and each will be reviewed at this time.

The Curse of Strahd however, it admits depicts stereotypes of the Romani people, and has committed to changing Curse of Strahd, and in two upcoming books will work with a Romani consultant to ensure the Vistani are shown in a way that does not rely on reductive tropes.

There is also later this year, a release of a product which will allow a player to customise the origin of their character, as well as the ability score, emphasising each person maintains their own capabilities.

They’ve outlined a number of areas that will be changed, but advised this to be only the beginning, and they will continue to review Dungeons and Dragons as concerns found or reprints created, as well as proactively seeking diverse talent.

Their full response can be found on their site, and it advises it will continue to listen to concerns, and that the conversation will continue.

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