E. Gary Gygax 1938 - 2008
The publisher of D&D co-founder Gary Gygax, Troll Lord games, reports that Mr. Gygax died today in his home at age 69. For more information, go to:
http://www.freeyabb.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=4373&mforum=trolllordgames
Ernest Gary Gygax, one of the most influential figures in gaming, died early this morning at his home in Lake Geneva, Wis. Gygax was 69. The earliest report appeared on his publisher, Troll Lord Games', forum.
Born July 27, 1938, Gygax is best-known as the co-creator of the seminal role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons with Dave Arneson. Beginning his career in the 1960s, Gygax wrote and had published more than 80 games, game products, and books. He founded the Gen Con gaming convention, which began as a gathering of wargames enthusiasts at the Gygax home in 1967, and co-founded games publisher TSR, Inc. (originally Tactical Studies Rules) in 1973.
Often known as the "father of role-playing," Gygax co-created the Chainmail miniatures rules which led to the development of Dungeons & Dragons. He also wrote or co-wrote, among many other games and game supplements, the World of Greyhawk fantasy campaign setting, Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, Gamma World, Boot Hill and other role-playing games. He authored several novels and was the co-producer of the Dungeons & Dragons cartoon show for television.
Gygax had previously suffered from strokes and a near-heart attack; no cause of death has been officially announced as yet.
I have a tribute to Gary on my blog if anyone cares to take a look.
http://delaksblog.blogspot.com/
While I think at times he wasn't able to move with the RPG industry and he kind of opened Pandoras box in a way. There is no doubt that his contribution to RPG's is immense. I played D&D and then AD&D as a kid until Robotech and Middle Earth were released. When I started playing all three. 69 was to young.
I read this last night after flying in from Chicago and was a little sad. With out Gary Gygax I am not sure what my hobbies would be. I have played D&D on and off for 20+ years not to mention the countless books I have read based on D&D characters and settings. The great and not so great computer games that have come out that much to my wife's dismay have sucked me in currently Neverwinter Nights 2 which i am playing but also creating a module.
He will be missed but is Legacy lives on.