D&D 5E D&D's Inclusivity Language Alterations In Core Rules

In recent months, WotC has altered some of the text found in the original 5th Edition core rulebooks to accommodate D&D's ongoing move towards inclusivity. Many of these changes are reflected on D&D Beyond already--mainly small terminology alterations in descriptive text, rather than rules changes.

Teos Abadia (also known as Alphastream) has compiled a list of these changes. I've posted a very abbreviated, paraphrased version below, but please do check out his site for the full list and context.

• Savage foes changed to brutal, merciless, or ruthless.
• Barbarian hordes changed to invading hordes.
• References to civilized people and places removed.
• Madness or insanity removed or changed to other words like chaos.
• Usage of orcs as evil foes changed to other words like raiders.
• Terms like dim-witted and other synonyms of low intelligence raced with words like incurious.
• Language alterations surrounding gender.
• Fat removed or changed to big.
• Use of terms referring to slavery reduced or altered.
• Use of dark when referring to evil changed to words like vile or dangerous.

This is by no means the full list, and much more context can be found on Alphastream's blog post.

 

[BookTenTiger]

Some marketing campaigns succeed, others fail. Corporate product directions the same, some times they over reach, some times under. There are examples of all of it. We'll see how wotc does moving forward, many believe they have had several missteps over the last few years, despite all their "experts".

It seems like you are arguing that WotC's success with D&D has nothing to do with inclusion, but if they fail, it'll be because of inclusion.

 

[BookTenTiger]

Liberalism vs Conservatism in a nutshell there. Just, with regard to publishing policy rather than government policy.

I try to divorce it from political terms as much as I can. Without labels, it's a lot easier to empathize.

 

[AstroCat]

It seems like you are arguing that WotC's success with D&D has nothing to do with inclusion, but if they fail, it'll be because

I'm saying the somewhat vague "inclusion" is only part of wotc's GTM strategy, which may or may not have a direct impact on sales. They know, they have the analytics. Even with analytical data companies can still "mess it up".

 

[BookTenTiger]

I'm saying the somewhat vague "inclusion" is only part of wotc's GTM strategy, which may or may not have a direct impact on sales. They know, they have the analytics. Even with analytical data companies can still "mess it up".

What would WotC messing it up inclusion look like, compared to successfully being inclusive?

 

[Micah Sweet]

Except it is true. University, management firms, big investors are all in agreement over this. DEI and inclusion are better for business. The evidence is ovewhelming.

Why Diversity and Inclusion Are Good for Business

Fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion is exactly what today's businesses must do to compete on the global stage.

online.uncp.edu

Inclusion In The Workplace: What It Means And Its Strength | NU

There are many benefits to incorporating inclusion into the workplace. Learn why it's important & some tips on how to accomplish it.

www.nu.edu

How diversity, equity, and inclusion are good for business

Diversity in the workplace—with true inclusion—matters to employees, customers, and your long-term business growth.

www.principal.com

12 Reasons Why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Are Important in Business - Claremont Lincoln

From nurturing a more positive workplace to generating fresh insights, investing in intentional DEI practices is an imperative move for every business.

www.claremontlincoln.edu

Diversity wins: How inclusion matters

Although the business case for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) is stronger than ever, many companies’ progress has stalled. A systematic approach and bold action can help.

www.mckinsey.com

Wizards of the Coast is making attempts to include more people in the game. Inclusion's detractors are demanding less inclusion in the game, closing off the people who for the past years say that the game and tables finally welcomed them.

The best way to grow the game is to write and lead it in a way that says "all are welcome." Not to hold onto the tropes that shout loudly "but not you."

They are re-writing the game, for those reasons among others, as we speak. Can they not wait until that's finished?

 

[AstroCat]

What would WotC messing it up inclusion look like, compared to successfully being inclusive?

Off the cuff, not making a 5e Dark Sun, despite it's tremendous popularity. Slap a disclaimer on it, be true to the source knowing it's a product that is for many but not all, and go for it! Not every product needs to be inclusive for everyone to be successful. As matter of fact you can actually have targeted products that are actually bringing a larger and more varied audience instead of the one size fits all approach.

 

[Charlaquin]

Good point although I was imagining a more direct licensing agreement.

I mean, in theory some third party publisher could negotiate a more restrictive licensing agreement with WotC, but… they would have no reason to.

 

[AstroCat]

I mean, in theory some third party publisher could negotiate a more restrictive licensing agreement with WotC, but… they would have no reason to.

Someone like Wizkids comes to mind, I would bet they have a very specific licensing agreement with wotc. If they started making some Frank Frazetta styled Conan'esque D&D branded mini's I have a feeling wotc would have a thing or two to say. Although I think that would be a killer minis line!

 

[DEFCON 1]

Are you saying WotC doesn't have the influence I'm referencing?

I'm saying that if some people are mistakenly saying or thinking it's censorship (soft or otherwise)... then they don't know what censorship actually is. And WotC is under no obligation to disabuse them of their faulty understanding, no matter how supposedly "influential" they are.

If a person chooses to remain ignorant, that's on them.

 

[BookTenTiger]

Off the cuff, not making a 5e Dark Sun, despite it's tremendous popularity. Slap a disclaimer on it, be true to the source knowing it's a product that is for many but not all, and go for it! Not every product needs to be inclusive for everyone to be successful. As matter of fact you can actually have targeted products that are actually bringing a larger and more varied audience instead of the one size fits all approach.

In a way, by not publishing a 5e version of Dark Sun, WotC is doing what some folks want: preserving the historical version of the setting. I think you very well know WotC would update Dark Sun in ways you might disagree with. But they haven't gone back and changed older editions! Instead those older sets are preserved for folks who want to purchase them and experience Dark Sun for themselves.