Wizards of the Coast has announced D&D Icons, a new initiative that will bring back influential creators from Dungeons & Dragons' 50-year history to develop new stories and products. The program aims to bridge the game's legacy with its future by involving the original architects of its beloved campaign settings. Joe Manganiello, actor and D&D enthusiast, will serve as chief creative officer for the D&D Icons line.
This initiative will see Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, creators of the Dragonlance setting, return to the franchise for what is described as "the most ambitious Dragonlance volume ever." This marks their first TTRPG product for Dragonlance in over two decades. R.A. Salvatore, known for The Legend of Drizzt series, will also contribute, bringing back his iconic drow ranger character, Drizzt Do'Urden. Additionally, Luke Gygax will develop a Greyhawk project based on unreleased notes and unfinished content from his father, D&D co-creator Gary Gygax. This Greyhawk adventure, presented as "an adventure through Gary Gygax's eyes," is slated for release as early as 2027.
The D&D Icons project is presented as a forward-thinking endeavor, with legendary creators collaborating with the current design team to help shape future D&D content. The goal is to ensure that iconic campaign settings such as Dragonlance, Greyhawk, and the Forgotten Realms continue to expand while honoring their historical roots and the contributions of their original designers. Dan Ayoub, head of the D&D franchise at Wizards of the Coast, has prioritized the return of these celebrated creators since assuming his role, aligning with his vision of "A new dawn for D&D" that builds upon the game's established foundation.
The involvement of these creators is significant, particularly for Weis and Hickman, who have a past legal dispute with Wizards of the Coast. Luke Gygax's participation also addresses the legacy of his father, whose contributions have been a subject of discussion in recent years. The initiative is expected to leverage the goodwill these creators hold within the D&D community as it aims to forge the future of the game.