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Michael S. DobsonAmerican author of business books, alternative history novels, and game designer
Date of Birth: 09.09.1952
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Biography of Michael S. Dobson
- Early Career
- Game Design and Writing
- Transition to Business Seminars and Alternative History Writing
Biography of Michael S. Dobson
Early Life and EducationMichael S. Dobson, an American author, business consultant, and game designer, was born on September 9, 1952, in Charlotte, North Carolina. When he was young, his family moved from North Carolina to Germany. Michael's father spent the final years of World War II in a prisoner of war camp and grew up under Germany's influence. However, in 1960, the Dobsons returned to the United States, settling in Decatur, Alabama. Michael, feeling uncomfortable in the South and facing school-related issues, eventually returned to Charlotte to attend college. After earning a bachelor's degree in English language and literature, he joined the faculty and taught composition and science fiction to freshmen.
Early Career
After completing his education, Dobson held multiple jobs, working as a typesetter, teacher, and weekend planetarium operator. He diligently searched for his true calling and eventually became a scientific associate at the National Air and Space Museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution, in Washington, D.C. This marked his first real job, a significant achievement for Dobson.
Game Design and Writing
In 1976, Dobson became responsible for business operations at the Albert Einstein Spacearium and later started his own business in 1979. In December 1983, he joined TSR, Inc. as an editor and moved to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, with his fiancée, Debbie Singer. They got married on July 4, 1984.
Dobson reminisced about his early projects at TSR, stating that the first three he worked on never saw publication. However, he enjoyed working as an editor on military games, valuing precision and accuracy. His notable projects included the Dragonlance series and the award-winning Battlesystem expansion at the Origins Game Fair in 1986. In 1985, Dobson was invited to the marketing department, where he became the marketing manager. By March 1986, he became the director of development. As a developer, he worked on games such as Bloodstone Pass, X10, Red Arrow, Black Shield, and Partyzone Knave of Hearts, which he co-developed with his wife, Debbie.
Transition to Business Seminars and Alternative History Writing
In 1990, Dobson transitioned to conducting business seminars. He released several books, audio, and video courses on management, some of which he co-authored with his wife, who was a human resources specialist. In 2000, Dobson began his alternative history book series with the publication of "Fox in the Rhine." He often collaborates with writer and game designer Douglas Niles on his alternative history books and games.
