[Deathwatch] Dave Arneson, Dungeons and Dragons co-creator, 61

[Deathwatch Central]

D&D Co-Founder, RPG Godfather Arneson Passes On

April 9, 2009

Dungeons and Dragons co-creator Dave Arneson has passed away at the age
of 61 on Tuesday. He's credited with establishing the role-playing
genre with the rulesets he created for the tabletop game.

Arneson's family confirmed his passing via a statement from his family
published on roleplaying study blog Grognardia. "He was comfortable and
with family at the time and his passing was peaceful," the statement
read.

"The Arneson family would like to thank everyone for their support over
the last few days, and for the support the entire community has shown
Dave over the years."

The statement provides details on where fans can send well-wishes, and
further info on Arneson's Minnesota viewing, which will be open to
anyone wishing to pay last respects in person.

Arneson originally partnered with the late Gary Gygax in the early
1970s, and the first Dungeons & Dragons rulebook, co-authored by the
duo, was published in 1974, shepherding its rise to cultural
prominence.

He went on to further develop his pre-D&D Blackmoor setting in other
scenarios after leaving Dungeons & Dragons owner TSR, and worked as a
teacher of game and video game design at Full Sail University from the
1990s to 2008.

The RPG pioneer was also active with Florida-based video and paper game
developer Zeitgeist Games, developing new versions of the Blackmoor
property and other titles. 



Many thanks to Deathwatch Central for posting this obituary