Ernest Gary Gygax American writer and board game designer Date of Birth: 27.07.1938 Country: USA

1. Biography of Ernest Gary Gygax
2. Early Life and Education
3. Introduction to Gaming
4. Career in Gaming
5. Creation of Dungeons & Dragons
6. Later Career and Legacy

Biography of Ernest Gary Gygax

Ernest Gary Gygax was an American writer and tabletop game developer, best known as one of the creators of the role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, which he co-created with Dave Arneson in 1974. Gygax is often referred to as the father of role-playing games.

Early Life and Education

Gygax was born in Chicago to a Swiss immigrant father, Ernst Gygax, who was a violinist in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He spent his childhood in Chicago, where he often clashed with children from the neighboring neighborhood and was involved in mass fights. In 1946, his family moved to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, where his mother's family had lived since the early 19th century. Gygax developed a love for literature, particularly in the fantasy and science fiction genres, as well as a passion for various games during his childhood and youth.

Introduction to Gaming

At the age of five, Gygax started playing card games, and later, chess. At the age of ten, he and his friends played a form of live-action role-playing games, in which Gygax acted as the game master. His father's interest in science fiction and fantasy influenced Gygax's passion for these genres. In 1953, Gygax became interested in tabletop wargames and began developing his own rules for playing with miniature soldiers.

Career in Gaming

Gygax dropped out of school and tried various jobs before returning to Chicago at the age of 19. He attended evening classes at a professional college and took anthropology courses at the University of Chicago. In 1958, Gygax married Mary Jo Powell, and they soon had children. He continued his studies, received high grades, and applied to the University of Chicago, but instead of pursuing further education, he opted to work for an insurance company.

In December 1958, Gygax became fascinated with the tabletop game Gettysburg, developed by Avalon Hill. He became an active member of the tabletop gaming community and played Diplomacy by mail, for which he developed his own rule variations. By 1965, Gygax was deeply involved in tabletop wargaming and began writing articles for various gaming magazines. He also developed his own rules, including using different types of dice for generating random numbers. In 1966, Gygax co-founded the International Federation of Wargamers (IFW) with Bill Speer and Scott Duncan, which united several existing wargaming clubs and organized forums for enthusiasts. In 1967, Gygax hosted a gathering of 20 wargaming enthusiasts in his basement in Lake Geneva, which became known as Gen Con 0. The following year, he rented a hall for the official Gen Con convention, which has since become one of the largest gaming conventions in North America. In August 1969, Gygax met Dave Arneson at the second Gen Con, and they went on to co-create Dungeons & Dragons. Gygax also co-founded the Lake Geneva Tactical Studies Association (LGTSA) with Don Kaye, Mike Reese, and Leon Tucker.

Creation of Dungeons & Dragons

Using an adaptation of the Chainmail rules, Gygax and Arneson began developing The Fantasy Game, which later became Dungeons & Dragons. Gygax drew inspiration from the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and other fantasy authors, as well as the writings of Jack Vance for the magic system. In 1973, Gygax left his job and tried to publish Dungeons & Dragons through Avalon Hill, but they declined. He then founded Tactical Studies Rules (TSR, Inc.) with Don Kaye in 1974, and together they released Dungeons & Dragons in January of the same year. The game quickly gained popularity, and in 1977, TSR released the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (AD&D) system, along with numerous supplements. Gygax wrote several books and adventures for both D&D and AD&D, including the famous Greyhawk setting.

Later Career and Legacy

Gygax faced various challenges throughout his career, including controversy and criticism from media and concerned individuals, resulting in legal disputes and negative public perception of Dungeons & Dragons. Despite these challenges, the game continued to thrive, and Gygax remained an active participant in the gaming community. In 1985, he left TSR, Inc. and created his own gaming company, New Infinities Productions, Inc. He worked on several projects, including the creation of the Lejendary Adventure role-playing game system. Gygax continued to write novels and short stories, as well as develop gaming products for the d20 system.

Gygax's contributions to the gaming industry and his role in the creation of Dungeons & Dragons have had a lasting impact. He is considered a pioneer and visionary in the field of role-playing games. Gygax passed away on March 4, 2008, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and engage gamers worldwide.