Gary Gygax has passed away

Koltar · March 04, 2008, 07:22:36 PM

Quote from: darI think there is talk about naming an industry award after him. I don't know who is talking to whom or what, but I just want to say that I think it is a great idea.

Andrew Hackard and Paul Chapman over on the SJG forums have mentioned this or hinted at this as well. (There is a Gary Gygax thread there as well)

There must have been a lot of phone calls and e-mails going back and forth between the leaders of many game companies this morning.

- Ed C.

Dr Rotwang! · March 04, 2008, 07:23:06 PM

It's hard to put into words the sudden sense of loss one can feel for the passing of someone one has never even met. But when I think of the fact that the hobby I love so dearly is due, in great part, to him...!

Still and all...'fight on' is right on, I'm playin' C&C tonight, and I'm thinking this weekend there needs to be a Red Book Dungeon Crawl in Casa Rotwang!.

Would that when I pass, I leave so much behind...

BASHMAN · March 04, 2008, 07:26:42 PM

Though I have never met him before, I feel as if I do indeed know Gary Gygax, and deeply mourn his passing. It was Gary's D&D that got me into Role-playing as a kid, and it was partly his willingness to answer an email from a California college student with a dream that enabled me to take the initiative to begin publishing Role-Playing Games myself. Were it not for his advice & example, Basic Action Games may never have existed.

His passing touches us all, and I think also links us together-- whether we are Grognards, Indy Gamers, d20 enthusiasts-- we have all experienced a great loss. Gary, you will be missed,

JamesV · March 04, 2008, 07:27:10 PM

Good bye and God Bless. Any of us would be damn lucky to leave a legacy like this.

dar · March 04, 2008, 07:49:42 PM

From the Trolls at Troll Lord Games.

An email address InMemoryOfGaryGygax@gmail.com.

dar · March 04, 2008, 08:09:42 PM

I know nobody will believe me, but I just rolled a d20 for Mr. Gary Gygax and got a natural 20. I'm a sentimental fool like that.

Kyle Aaron · March 04, 2008, 08:21:59 PM

This is what I just sent out to a lot of gamers I know.

You may recall I was talking about having a celebration of some sort on or around April 1st, as that marks 25 years of my roleplaying - and being crap at it. There was talk of a dungeon crawl session with AD&D as being an appropriate celebration.

Well, unfortunately it must also be a wake. Running around the net today is the sad news that Gary Gygax, one of the two adoptive fathers of roleplaying, has died. He died of an heart attack, having an inoperable abdominal aortic aneurysm. He leaves behind a wife, an ex-wife, six children, seven grandchildren and many rpgs.

He said, "I would like the world to remember me as the guy who really enjoyed playing games and sharing his knowledge and his fun pastimes with everybody else."

So I suggest that in his spirit and memory, and also for my quarter-century, that on Sunday 30th March, from noon onwards we get together for a few drinks, lots to eat, and I'll GM - I mean, DM an AD&D1e scenario.

The actual 1st April is a Tuesday night, but the true spirit of old-style gaming is taking a whole weekend day to do it

As we mourn his death, let us celebrate his life, and GAME ON!

Erik Boielle · March 04, 2008, 08:33:27 PM

From Penny Arcade:-

Gronan of Simmerya · March 04, 2008, 10:32:37 PM

I have lost a friend.

architect.zero · March 04, 2008, 10:47:57 PM

just... wow... I've been traveling all day and just got this news. Very very sad indeed.

For the first time I'm actually choked up about the passing of someone I've never personally met, or even had a passing electronic conversation with. His effect on my life was nonetheless profound.

D&D set me on the path that I walk today (and I know I'm not alone in this either).

Thanks Gary.

jeff37923 · March 05, 2008, 12:20:20 AM

He made something that has enriched my life and I'm sorry to see him go.

RIP Gary Gygax.

Werekoala · March 05, 2008, 12:33:26 AM

Quote from: Old GeezerI have lost a friend.

Yeah, tough day Old Geezer. (very manly man-hug)

The Founders are passing us by, leaving long shadows that point the way for those who follow them.

multipleegos · March 05, 2008, 12:39:39 AM

I can't believe he's gone. For some reason I thought he would live forever.

Thanks for changing this kid's life, Gary.

no one important · March 05, 2008, 01:23:43 AM

Many of my best, oldest friends I met because of Gary Gygax. He made sure I will never want for fun.

Thanks.

GrimJesta · March 05, 2008, 01:29:50 AM

Quote from: multipleegosI can't believe he's gone. For some reason I thought he would live forever.

Seriously. This shit's been bothering me all day. Like some have said in this very thread, I never understood how people could get broken up over celebrities or sports stars passing until today.

-=Grim=-