Gary Gygax, July 27, 1938 – March 4, 2008
Gary Gygax, creator of the Dungeons & Dragons and various other games, has passed away at the age of 70. I first played First Edition of D&D when I was probably seven years old, led by my half-brother who was visiting from college. In the next two-plus decades I played a variety of role-playing games, including every edition of AD&D from FE on.
To say that Gygax’s game had an impact on my life is a gross understatement. I have made (and lost) friends due to RPGs, and have spent countless hours telling stories with my gaming group. I would like to think that my ability to bullshit — I mean, think — on the fly is partially due to role-playing. There really isn’t much difference between trying to con your way past a troll guarding a bridge or a high-level executive that can bless or burn your pet project.
Rest in peace, Gary.
Guess G.G. finally ran out of hit points, eh?
Obligatory joke – Damn you .3% chance of rolling a one twice in a row!
Man had an incredible impact. Who knows, a thousand years from now when discussing our century they might only know Einstein and Gygax…