Obit: Gary Gygax, co-created Dungeons & Dragons
By Staff -- Playthings, 3/4/2008 11:21:00 AM
LAKE GENEVA, Wis.—Gary Gygax, co-creator of genre-defining role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, died this morning at age 69, according to the Associated Press.
Gygax created D&D with game developer Dave Arneson. Gygax’s fledgling game company, TSR Inc., released the first edition of D&D in 1974. TSR was purchased by Wizards of the Coast in 1997. Wizards plans to issue the fourth edition of Dungeons & Dragons this year.
In a statement, Wizards of the Coast said:
“Today, Wizards of the Coast was deeply saddened to learn that Gary Gygax passed away in his home at age 69 … His innovation created an entirely new type of hobby that now attracts millions of players worldwide to face-to-face and online roleplaying games. Gygax was a grand storyteller renowned for his unique style, sprawling ‘Gygaxian’ adventures, and the fantastic World of Greyhawk. He inspired generations of players, designers, and authors, and he will be sorely missed by legions of fans. We extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends."
Prior to developing D&D, Gygax was said to have been a long-time fan of miniatures war games. In 1967, he organized what would eventually become the annual Gen Con gaming convention.
Within two years of D&D’s release, Gygax had sold his share of TSR. In 1985, he left the company entirely. He went on to create at least two other role-playing games, which while lauded by RPG fans, never rose to prominence beyond hardcore gamers.
Gygax is survived by his wife, Gail, and six children.
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