Dimension 20 Live Shows Are Changing The Gaming World Forever!

In the mindset of a D&D resurgence, Dimension 20 live shows have taken over, proving that “nerdy” entertainment can sprout whole communities and bring people together like never before. 

Dungeons & Dragons is many things. It’s a cousin of The Lord of the Rings, it’s the hobby of lonely men in their basements, it’s “that game from 'Stranger Things'". Yet for something with a specific reputation and a plethora of stereotypes to its name, Dungeons & Dragons is also constantly evolving. With the rise of “actual-play” series -- aka longform filmed content of people playing Dungeons & Dragons such as Critical Role and Dimension 20 -- D&D has taken on a new life and found a new community. Dimension 20 in particular has managed to evade the confines of its conception and foster a diverse following, including a large percentage of LGBTQ+ fans who feel seen and represented by the stories that the series tells. 

Games like Dungeons & Dragons have always had the potential to bring people together, but the stereotypes surrounding them and the isolation felt by those who play them have limited that potential. Now, through these series of professionals telling grounded stories that are strung together by the authentic real-life friendships between the people playing, that potential can be realized. Dimension 20 is trailblazing a new path for tabletop game entertainment that can be best seen when looking at their recent live shows. In January, they put on the largest live show of Dungeons & Dragons ever when they took the stage at Madison Square Garden in front of a soldout audience, a milestone that was even featured in Time magazine. In June, they took over the historic and beautiful Hollywood Bowl for yet another record-breaking live show of Dungeons & Dragons. Dimension 20 is paving new ground for the genre. As someone who has attended both aforementioned shows so far, I can testify that the environment is not only electric but full of acceptance and community as tens of thousands of different kinds of people come together over something that brings them joy where it used to bring them shame and even fear. 

Dimension 20’s next live show is November 1 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Their actual-play series can be streamed on Dropout for $6.99 a month, where you can find their current season “Cloudward, Ho!” airing weekly, as well as the filmed version of their Madison Square Garden live show.