

Dave Arneson, the man who first created the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game alongside Gary Gygax, passed Tuesday night, his family announced via email.

It may not directly relate to the world of electronic videogames, but it's impossible to ignore the influence Arneson's work has had on the gaming developers we all hold so dear.

Not only did D&D force gamers to think creatively and reason their way to safety, it's also the single greatest source of high fantasy creatures and ideas since Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien. I attempted to come up with any fantasy title that doesn't somehow lift from D&D, and after 20 minutes of contemplation, I'm still drawing a blank.

Sadly, this news follows the passing of Gary Gygax in 2008.

We offer our greatest condolences to Arneson's family and loved ones, and would like to thank the man for making the world a much more interesting place during his time here.

Correction: Gary Gygax passed away in March of 2008, not 2009. We apologize for any confusion.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

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