Back in the 1980s, Dungeons & Dragons enjoyed a brief period of cultural relevance that saw it featured in the movie E.T., its own Saturday morning cartoon, and a moral panic. In a twist no science fiction writer saw coming D&D has enjoyed a return to popularity in recent years thanks to Critical Role, The Adventure Zone, Stranger Things, a new edition of the rules that doesn't suck, and a thriving fan art community whose influence probably isn't as recognized as it should be.
It's a trend that isn't slowing down, as publisher Wizards of the Coast has announced, declaring that 2020 was "the best year ever" for D&D. The tabletop RPG enjoyed its seventh consecutive year of growth, with sales up 33% year-over-year, more pre-orders for rules supplement Tasha's Cauldron of Everything than any previous book, and millions of s of the free material made available via the Stay at Home, Play at Home initiative.
D&D's plans for 2021 include the fast-paced co-op videogame gothic horror setting Ravenloft, and two more classic settings are scheduled to return (fingers crossed for Planescape).
Though it's probably a couple of years off, Wizards of the Coast also notes that, "a movie set in the Forgotten Realms starring Chris Pine, Hugh Grant, Rege-Jean Page, Michelle Rodriguez, Sophia Lillis, and Justice Smith is in production."
