Tabletop gaming franchise Dungeons & Dragons unveiled a new look for its iconic logo Monday in honor of the 40th anniversary of battles won and lost with dice, pens and paper.

The new logo features a bigger focus on the classic ampersand, which is now a clearly defined dragon sporting fiery breath. The logo relaunch coincides with the first products being released for fifth edition, the brand new rule-set for Dungeons & Dragons.

"Dungeons & Dragons tabletop RPG players have been used to seeing a new logo with the release of new editions, but never before have we seen such a dramatic evolution of the brand," Nathan Stewart, brand director for D&D at Wizards of the Coast told Mashable via email.

According to Wizards of the Coast, the ampersand has not been a focus of the 40-year-old logo, which receives an update every edition, but now it has increased in size and prominence within the text.

Image: Mashable Composite: Wizards of the Coast; Scott Swigart

Stewart called this a pivotal year for the brand. The new rules have been play-tested with 175,000 players, and the first starter kits will be released July 15. A new core rulebook and adventures from the upcoming Tyranny of Dragons adventure will be released Aug. 19.