D&D Icons Could Bring Modern-Day Adventures to the Tabletop

Ever wondered what Dungeons & Dragons would look like if it left the medieval fantasy realm behind? Well, you might be in luck. Joe Manganiello, the actor and lifelong D&D fanatic who's leading the charge on the D&D Icons initiative, has teased that the program could eventually dive into modern-day settings.

For those who need a refresher, D&D Icons is all about teaming up today's D&D with legendary creators from the game's past—think R.A. Salvatore's iconic The Legend of Drizzt series. But Manganiello, who holds the title of chief creative officer for the initiative, isn't limiting things to swords and sorcery. In a chat with GameSpot's Jessica Cogswell at Gen Con 2026, he dropped some tantalizing hints about what's next.

"There [are] also lots of other things that I want for Icons in the future," Manganiello said. "I think that there's a great present-day game that pushes genetics and military. We're moving at such a rapid pace, but I think there could be a game that takes place in our modern world." He also mentioned that some other D&D worlds might get a fresh look, saying, "There are also some other worlds of D&D that I think could be revisited in new and exciting ways that weren't maximized their first time around."

So, what does that mean for you? If you've ever craved a D&D campaign that feels more like a techno-thriller or a near-future military saga, this could be your jam. Manganiello didn't spill any specifics, but the potential is huge. Imagine a game that blends D&D's mechanics with a setting that's closer to our own reality—maybe with a dash of genetics or high-tech warfare. Could something like Halo or Horizon: Zero Dawn vibe with the D&D ruleset? Only time will tell, but it's an exciting thought.

This isn't completely out of left field, either. Wizards of the Coast has dabbled in more modern content before, so it's not like they're breaking new ground here. But with Icons, they could take it to a whole new level, potentially opening up D&D to an even wider audience that might not be into the traditional high-fantasy stuff.

For now, we'll have to wait and see what Manganiello and his team cook up. But if you're a fan of modern fantasy or just curious about where D&D can go next, this is definitely something to keep on your radar. Will you be picking this up if they go modern? Let us know what you think!