D&D Co-Creator E. Gary Gygax: 1938 – 2008
Chances are if you love comic books, sci-fi, fantasy and other great things like these, you’ve probably also played Dungeons & Dragons at one time or another as well. I’m not embarrassed to admit I used to play it quite a lot and before the days of the sophisticated computer and console games we have now, it was a great way to get together with a bunch of friends, roll the 20-sided-dice and kick some Beholder butt.
So, it’s sad news today to report that Gary Gygax, co-creator of D&D, co-founder of Tactical Studies Rules (TSR) and generally regarded as the "Father of the Role-Playing Game" has passed away. The news was first reported on the Troll Lord Games Forums but now has spread across the Internets with postings at various other sites. Plus, his Wikipedia page has also already been updated.
Born on July 27, 1938, Ernest Gary Gygax took his love of Avalon Hill wargames and his passion for the works of Robert E. Howard, J.R.R. Tolkien, Fritz Leiber, and other great sword and sorcery authors and created D&D. He also co-founded Tactical Studies Rules, the company that published the game.
After D&D, Gygax went on to create the Dangerous Journeys and Lejendary Adventure RPGs, as well as a number of board games. He also wrote several fantasy novels. Over the years, Gygax became an icon to gamers and developed a huge following of fans, even appearing as himself in an episode of the show Futurama.
ComicMix’s own Glenn Hauman had a personal connection to Gygax.
"I met Gary a few years back, and he was a complete gentleman," said Hauman. "Ironically, he died on GM’s Day, a day created by various role-playing aficionados to pay tribute to the one who holds your character’s life in your hands. Gary’s influence on the gaming industry is immeasurable, and he will be dearly missed."
I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Many years ago I was taken on a tour of the old TSR plant in Lake Geneva Wisconsin — the house that Gygax built, although it was after his tenure. The place was huge, like a modern airport terminal… complete with helipad. No helicopter, just a helipad.
Hey, you never know who’s going to drop by.
If not for TSR, I never would have been able to steal Timothy Truman over for First Comics. So I appreciate the folks there…
Ow. Second time today I’ve had to correct "aficionados." The other person plays D&D, too. How about a spellchecker?
I fixed it, thanks.
Having two f’s was actually valid according to Merriam Webster, but the "ian" in the middle wasn’t.
Cigar Aficionado works with two f’s in the URL, too.
Ah, spelling…
Well, "afficionado" is listed as a variation, so it’s not the base spelling. I stopped trying to put links in words, but I see you can do it, so I’ll try it again the next time. Oh, and I didn’t have to sign in today!
Gary, sadly, has run out of hit points. He has failed his last saving throw and gone behind the great GM screen on the table. May all his 20s be natural.
LOLCat remembers Gygax.