Lasers and anti-matter rifles are not the kinds of weapons I'm used to in D&D so at least you included the dungeon master clause in the article. If it was a futuristic setting I⛦ can see the possibilities but 6d8 is kind of a game changer. I think fireball is 6d6 if my memory serves.

To be honest, with DMG, MM and PHB are the 3 books you need to play with some ꧋dice and notebook paper. With apps you you can get by with the DMG and PHB with the MM being a nice bonus. I spent my middle school years playing and try to stay current. If I could find a good group I wouldಌ still play.