A Legend Passes

Gary Gygax, co-creator of Dungeons & Dragons, passed away yesterday. The Associated Press obituary can be read here.

Now my fairly recent foray into the world of "serious" role playing notwithstanding, I have been a fan of Mr. Gygax for many years. Coming of age in the 1980s, I have been aware of D&D and its impact on gaming culture all my life. This is further compounded by the fact that the company first producing Dungeons & Dragons, TSR, was located not fifty miles from my hometown. The largest gaming convention in the world started as a get-together in this guy's basement! (Gen-Con was named after Lake Geneva, WI.)

The obituary is quite respectful of Mr. Gygax. It points to his friendly and approachable nature. It makes sense. What should inspire friendship and community more than gathering around a table to play a game? Not just a game, but a game that is not about competing against one another. A game in which all participate to tell a story.

Thank you, Gary. Thank you for helping to bring the world "the quintessential geek pastime."