Dungeons & Dragons Creator Perishes

It is indeed a sad week for many fantasy fans. Those most hardcore followers of the Dungeons & Dragon universe may have already learned that Gary Gygax, the inventor of 'D&D', recently died in his Lake Geneva home at age 69.

Gygax and ally Dave Arneson created Dungeons & Dragons in 1974. Together, they built a complex and strategic system based on the use of pens, pencils, and paper. The rule-set they created eventually became a staple for many D&D books and the inspiration behind a flood of other media, including video games and full-length feature films. As with any idea this popular, Gygax's D&D formula also ushered in many imitators.

An astonishing 20 million people have spent at least one evening squirreled away with friends enjoying D&D paraphernalia since the concept was introduced thirty-four years ago. (Source: bbc.co.uk)

Gygax had been struggling with health issues for a number of years, the worst being an abdominal aneurysm. Surprising for some but probably not to those who knew him, Gygax continued to host weekly D&D matches at his home until early this year. (Source: theregister.co.uk)

Gygax was also known for his own works, including the adventures of Greyhawk and Gord the Rogue. More than twenty years ago, he left Tactical Studies Rules (or TSR), the company that first marketed D&D. It was then that he decided to craft his own competing series after becoming disillusioned with rule changes to his original D&D formula.

Gygax is survived by his wife Gail and six children.