Dungeons & Dragons removing 'race' from game materials for being 'problematic'

WASHINGTON (TND) — The iconic tabletop fantasy game "Dungeons & Dragons" (D&D) has announced it will no longer use the word "race" in its games, and will instead use the word "species."

Makers of the game say that they are "moving on" from the term to make the game a more "inviting space" to all players, according to a recent announcement.

We understand 'race' is a problematic term that has had prejudiced links between real world people and the fantasy peoples of D&D worlds," the game makers said on DNDBeyond.com.

In Dungeons & Dragons, players can create their own personal characters with various abilities and traits. Commonly, players would choose a "class" for their character alongside a "race."

For example, a player character's class could be a "barbarian," and its race could be "dwarf." In that instance, it would be understood by the game and other players that the chosen character was a strong, skilled melee fighter with "racial traits" of increased constitution and resistance.

Now, D&D wishes to replace the word and term "race" in its gameplay manuals to "species." Nothing changes beyond the word choice, but the game makers say they believe "it’s time for the next evolution" of D&D.

Since the release of the fifth edition of D&D in 2014, we have made the conscious decision to reduce usage of the term 'race' to only apply to the game mechanic," the game makers said. "We took this a step further with the release of Tasha's Cauldron of Everything in 2020 when we presented an alternative to character creation that untangled ability score improvements from your choice of playable people.

We have also evolved the lore of the peoples throughout the D&D multiverse to be more diligent in extracting past prejudices, stereotypes, and unconscious biases," the game makers added.

The game makers have dubbed this "next evolution" of D&D to be "One D&D," set to begin on December 21 when play test materials are released for "Unearthed Arcana."

We have made the decision to move on from using the term "race" everywhere in One D&D, and we do not intend to return to that term," the game makers said. "The term 'species' was chosen in close coordination with multiple outside cultural consultants."

When Unearth Arcana launches, the game makers say that players will be given an opportunity to provide feedback on the change in terminology. A survey will reportedly be included with the play test materials that will allow players to report what they think about any changes or additions made to D&D, including the removal of the term "race."

Having an open conversation around the term 'race is both important and challenging," the game makers said. "That is why it's vital we foster a positive, open, and understanding dialogue with one another."

We welcome your constructive feedback on this evolution and the many more evolutions to One D&D that make this game exciting, open, and accessible to everyone," the game makers said at the end of their statement. "Dragons and elves belong in our world, and so do you."

The term "race" is apparently still in use on D&D's website, with a whole page dedicated to the game's various player character "races."

It's not clear if and/or when the term "species" will replace "race" on the game's website.