In January 1974, a group of friends in a Wisconsin basement sent out a small box with three beige-colored books inside. It was the very first edition of, a brand-new type of game without boards or set goals in which all the action took place in the players' minds. The game sold, and sold well, eventually becoming a worldwide phenomenon. 30 years later, that game continues to be popular. It also wields a profound cultural influence, especially in the video-game industry, which daily borrows elements from, even if it doesn't always realize it's doing so.With Gen Con, the world's biggest paper and pencil gaming convention running this week in Indianapolis, GameSpy thought it would be a good time to look back and celebrate 30 years of. We'll talk about the game itself, from its humble beginnings through today. You may find out all sorts of things you never knew about the game you love. We'll also take a look back at some of the best and worstvideo games, talk with some of the important figures associated with the game, and get the scoop on where the game is headed in the future -- and naturally, we'll have previews of the hottestvideo games that are currently in development. We may also have a few surprises in store for you!So, without further ado..."You are heading down a darkened corridor when you come upon a locked door, what do you do?"Companions & Chainmail.1987-1990.Day 1 with the father of RPGs.The scoop on the MMO.A talk with the game's creators.A detailed look at's newest world.Mazes & Monsters.1991-1992.Day 2 of our conversation.The latestgame comes to the PS2 and Xbox!Recognizing SSI's classic RPGs.Tyrants & Wizards.1993-1994.The RPG defender talks witch hunts.comedian reveals inner geek.Repairs & Resurrections.1995-1999.Prominent people talk about the game.TheRTS looks hot!BioWare hits the big time!Feargus Urquhart talks about developing the sequel in thefranchise.Ed Stark talks D&D video games. Atari & Eberron.2000-2004.'s co-creator speaks!Feargus Urquhart unveils details about the sequel.The greatest RPG ever made?3rd Edition character studies done by theteam.Our MMO editor reflects on his experience at the largest RPG convention in the galaxy.setting.We talk to the board game's designer about translating the horrific experience to the tabletop setting.The Forgotten Realms author discusses his books and creating the story for Atari'sJeff Butler talks about bringing Sigil's new MMORPG to life.We get an up-close look at BioWare's next great game for the Xbox!Four full pages of shots from the floor of the convention!Keith Baker tells us the down and dirty of creating the new official world ofDesign Director Tom Smith tells us what went into creatingGlen Drover of Eagle Games talks about bringing Sid Meier's vision to the tabletop.A look at inXile's irreverent take on RPGs.Kevin Sullivan tells all about "Issue #2."