Welcome Back to the Table: D&D's New Direction

Tags Studio Blog

For those who don’t know me, I’m Dan Ayoub. I’m no stranger to D&D, both professionally and personally. I previously worked with Wizards of the Coast on their digital products, and I’ve recently become the Head of the Dungeons & Dragons franchise.

I’ve also been playing D&D since I was twelve years old, when the Basic Set got me hooked. I know firsthand the power D&D has to ignite your imagination and foster friendships—I’ve been playing with the same group as when I started all those years ago.

I’m lucky enough that the game I love has shaped not only my friendships but my entire career. Every morning, I still have to pinch myself because I get to help guide the future of the game I’ve loved since the first roll.

I’m here to open a dialogue with you—the players, Dungeon Masters, live stream watchers, and storytellers. You’ve filled taverns with laughter, launched spells across the multiverse, and rolled death saving throws with anxious hearts.

Dungeons & Dragons belongs to you, and we’re putting it back where it belongs: at your table.

Artist: Kent DavisA party of adventurers traveling through fantastical landscapes.

A System That Belongs to You

The new Core Rulebooks were shaped by ten years of community play, feedback, and love for fifth edition.

This upgrade doesn’t replace the previous rules; it enhances them. It makes this beloved system more player-friendly, better to create content for, and evolve rather than replace the fifth edition books you already own.

A Stronger SRD, Step by Step

Alongside the content provided in the new Core Rulebooks, we’re updating the System Reference Document (SRD) on a rolling basis.

We’re committing to long-term access and support of this resource through the errata process. This ensures the SRD will remain up to date with the latest standards and mechanics for creators to use in their works.

Run Your D&D Beyond Content on Maps—No Subscription Required

Starting September 16, in time with the release of Heroes of the Borderlands, all D&D Beyond registered users can run games on the Maps virtual tabletop (VTT) —no subscription required.

The core experience will be made available to everyone: If you own a map, module, or adventure on D&D Beyond, you can use it on Maps and invite your friends to play. Period.

Our Master Tier subscription will unlock more customizability for DMs who need it. You’ll be able to upload homebrew maps, custom tokens, and access exciting tools built just for you.

From the Community, For the Community

We’re laying the groundwork for a new initiative that will bring community voices directly into the room. Our goal is to create a rotating advisory group made up of creators, publishers, educators, and fans who can help us shape future tools, policies, and content in a real, ongoing way.

We’re still finalizing the structure and process, but our intention is clear: this isn’t a one-time survey or a PR move. It’s about building lasting collaboration with the people who make D&D what it is.

More details to come, but we are also developing a creator spotlighting program that will highlight third-party creations across our official channels. If you’re making something incredible, the world should see it.

At D&D, we understand that the community is the beating heart of the game we all love, and we want it to thrive so more people can experience adventures with their friends and family.

We’ve stumbled before. We’ve learned from it. And now, we’re committed to clearer communication, more transparency, and consistent support—for players, creators, and publishers.

This Is Just the Beginning

This new direction for Dungeons & Dragons is already underway. We’re here to earn your trust, not ask for it.

We're building a game that honors the past, listens in the present, and opens new doors for the future. Together.

We’re investing long-term in this game, this community, and the stories we collectively tell. That means better digital tools, more open development, and more content built alongside players.

We’ll see you at the table.

—Dan Ayoub, Head of the Dungeons & Dragons Franchise

D&D at Gen Con 2025
by Chris Tulach
Gather Your Party in the Official D&D Communities!
by LaTia Jacquise
You Can Now Publish Your Own Creations Using the New Core Rules
by D&D Staff

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