D&D Celebration 2020 was a three-day event from September 18 through 20. It had multiple panels, games, and features focused on the tabletop RPG Dungeons & Dragons. Big names like Deborah Ann Woll, B. Dave Walters, and Satine Phoenix were there, along with fans and creators from all over the community. Here are the biggest takeaways.
The majority of the D&D games centered on tales from the newest campaign book, Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden. The event also benefitted Extra Life, a non-profit focused on helping sick children.
The first day had host Elle Osili-Wood introducing what would happen over the next few days. The games included Oxventure, How We Roll, A Darkened Wish, Rivals of Waterdeep, and Acquisitions, Inc. Panels included an overview of how Adventurers League works, how to design campaigns centered on mental health, and how to become successful as a D&D designer – particularly in regards to DM’s Guild.
The second day featured games that included Speak Giant and Viva la Dirt League / Dragon Friends. The panels centered on how to be a great Dungeon Master, and what it means to play a Bard. The third day had games that included High Rollers, Realmsmith, and Dicestormers. Panel topics focused on how to create dungeons, how to tell Asian stories in D&D and avoid stereotypes, and the future of D&D.
It was hinted that some of the new projects to expect from the team at Dungeons & Dragons include bringing older books from previous editions up to the forefront of the 5th edition. There are some fan-favorite classics so it will be interesting to see what comes about. There was also some discussion about the new book, Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, that comes to stores this November.
Everything was played virtually due to the current pandemic with next to no technical issues. D&D has been the only social interaction for some during these times of isolation, and it was a great deal of fun to see so many innovators and creators all working together to tell stories.