The recent online exchange involving Elon Musk and Grummz, talking about Gary Gygax, and changes to Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) texts raises important questions about how we engage with the past, adapt to societal progress, and conduct debates in the public sphere. It says a lot about current global politics, too, really.
In his response to a tweet about updates to older D&D materials, Musk called for Wizards of the Coast to “burn in hell.” The original tweet from Grummz misleadingly implied that the game’s creators, like Gygax, were being erased, conflating the critique of outdated views and portrayals with an attack on Gygax himself.
Of course, this brought a whole boatload of reply-guys forward, along with Reddit posts and comments. This controversy exemplifies the challenges we face in reconciling history, engaging in good-faith debate, and fostering constructive discourse.
How do we balance respect for the past with the need for progress?
Gary Gygax’s contributions to gaming are monumental. He helped lay the foundation for modern tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), and his work has inspired generations of players. However, we can acknowledge his accomplishments while recognizing that some of his views and portrayals in early D&D material and views he continued to espouse before his death no longer align with modern values.
Just as my wife’s organization for mental health and wellness has evolved far beyond its founder’s eugenicist beliefs, D&D can—and should—move beyond outdated perspectives while continuing to innovate and inspire.
Other industries provide clear examples of this balance as well:
In these cases, the goal isn’t erasure but education! We preserve historical context while fostering inclusivity for modern audiences.
This doesn’t mean erasing history. In fact, updated D&D materials explicitly acknowledge the original creators and the societal contexts of their time. By doing so, they preserve the legacy while ensuring new iterations are inclusive and reflective of current values. Acknowledging problematic aspects of Gygax’s portrayals in early D&D isn’t an attack on his legacy—it’s an effort to ensure the game evolves with society. As Maya Angelou famously said, “When you know better, do better.”
Ask yourself:
What happens when debates are framed disingenuously?
The original tweet Musk responded to framed updates to D&D texts as an “erasure” of its creators. This claim is demonstrably false. Updated materials clearly credit Gygax and others but include disclaimers about content that may be considered harmful today.
This kind of “straw man” argument derails meaningful conversation by claiming an attack where none exists. Instead of debating how D&D can continue evolving, we waste energy defending against false narratives. Emotional triggers like fear of erasure or censorship are often used to stoke division, shifting focus away from constructive discourse.
This tactic isn’t new. Disingenuous framing often relies on emotional triggers—fear of erasure, loss, or censorship—to create a polarized debate in which meaningful exchange becomes impossible.
Ask yourself and others in the community:
What do replies and reactions reveal about the underlying issues?
Musk’s response—“burn in hell”—is inflammatory. But what’s more revealing is the discourse it sparked. A glance at the replies shows a flood of sexist, vitriolic comments aimed at progress, inclusivity, and diversity. Many are satirical and trolling, but several are also scathing, full of hate and fear over change.
When leaders like Musk engage in hyperbolic, emotionally charged language, they legitimize harmful behaviour among their followers. The replies are a reflection not of honest debate, but of the consequences of reckless, inflammatory language. I encourage you to read some of the replies yourself and decide if they're representative of a fun, inclusive hobby, or a bright and promising future for the communities that adopt the beliefs represented.
Proof in the pudding: The responses to Musk’s tweet are not about protecting Gygax’s legacy—they’re about rejecting inclusivity, diversity, and progress. The discourse is rife with sexism, racism, and outright hostility. Look no further for what this type of rhetoric encourages from someone many see as a role model.
What do you think?
How has progress led to positive outcomes in gaming and society?
The evolution of Dungeons & Dragons has brought immense success:
Representation matters—not just as a moral imperative, but as a proven driver of engagement, creativity, and community-building.
What do you think?
As a product leader in my day job, the teams I work with and I often have to think about inclusivity and the ramifications of what we put into the world. We know that what works for one community will often also add value for another or that diverse people and ideas build more robust solutions.
How can we foster better discourse and ensure progress without alienation?
The debate surrounding updates to Dungeons & Dragons isn’t just about a game. It’s a microcosm of larger societal issues: how we reconcile with history, how we frame debates, and how we confront the consequences of public discourse. Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast are certainly not immune from bad or controversial decisions, either, but the way they and other authors have been represented in these debates has been dishonest and potentially just another batch in a neverending slew of divisive vitriol (whether negligent or intentional).
Let’s ask ourselves:
The past informs us, but it doesn’t define us. As Dungeons & Dragons demonstrates, the best legacies adapt, grow, and embrace tomorrow's values. Let’s strive for curiosity over judgment, empathy over outrage, and progress over stagnation.
And yes, sometimes I ask leading questions intentionally. 😉
