Dave Arneson, one of the co-creators of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-play game, has died of cancer at 61 in a hospice in St Paul, Minnesota.
Dave Arneson, one of the co-creators of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-play game, has died of cancer at 61 in a hospice in St Paul, Minnesota.
His two-year battle with the disease ended on Tuesday when he passed away peacefully, his daughter said.
His two-year battle with the disease ended on Tuesday when he passed away peacefully, his daughter said.
Arneson created the game famous for its oddly shaped dice in 1974 along with the late Gary Gygax.
Arneson created the game famous for its oddly shaped dice in 1974 along with the late Gary Gygax.
"The biggest thing about my dad's world is he wanted people to have fun in life," said his daughter Malia.
"The biggest thing about my dad's world is he wanted people to have fun in life," said his daughter Malia.
Arneson and Gygax developed D&D using medieval characters and mythical creatures and it was a worldwide hit, particularly among teenage boys.
Arneson and Gygax developed D&D using medieval characters and mythical creatures and it was a worldwide hit, particularly among teenage boys.
It eventually was turned into video games, books and films.
It eventually was turned into video games, books and films.
Pioneer
Pioneer
"I think we get distracted by the everyday things you have to do in life and we forget to enjoy life and have fun," Malia Weinhagen told the Associated Press.
"I think we get distracted by the everyday things you have to do in life and we forget to enjoy life and have fun," Malia Weinhagen told the Associated Press.
"But my dad never did. He just wanted people to have fun."
"But my dad never did. He just wanted people to have fun."
D&D, described by AP as "the quintessential geek pastime", spawned copycat games and later inspired a whole genre of computer games that is still growing in popularity.
D&D, described by AP as "the quintessential geek pastime", spawned copycat games and later inspired a whole genre of computer games that is still growing in popularity.
"[Arneson] developed many of the fundamental ideas of role-playing: that each player controls just one hero, that heroes gain power through adventures and that personality is as important as combat prowess," said a statement from Wizards of the Coast, which produces D&D.
"[Arneson] developed many of the fundamental ideas of role-playing: that each player controls just one hero, that heroes gain power through adventures and that personality is as important as combat prowess," said a statement from Wizards of the Coast, which produces D&D.
The company noted that Blackmoor, a game Arneson had been developing before D&D, was the "first-ever role-playing campaign and the prototype for all [role-playing game] campaigns since".
The company noted that Blackmoor, a game Arneson had been developing before D&D, was the "first-ever role-playing campaign and the prototype for all [role-playing game] campaigns since".
Arneson met Gygax, who died in March of last year, at a games convention in 1969.
Arneson met Gygax, who died in March of last year, at a games convention in 1969.
He is survived by his daughter and two grandchildren.
He is survived by his daughter and two grandchildren.
Send your tributes to Arneson and Gygax using the form below.
Send your tributes to Arneson and Gygax using the form below.
The BBC may edit your comments and cannot guarantee that all emails will be published.
The BBC may edit your comments and cannot guarantee that all emails will be published.
Your tributes:
Rest easy, mate. You will be remembered. Thanks for many years of fun (since 77). Guess you finally failed your save....happens to all of us in the end.mark fitzgibbon, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Thank you for your dreams and ideas that spawned D&D. I have the original and all the later editions. Your game kept me thinking and imagining, and made me friends. I kept out of trouble because I just wanted 1 more adventure. Thank you. Save vs constitution, failed. Rest well and continue adventuring wherever you now may be.Keith Tan, Singapore
Rest in peace, you and gary gygax,and we never forget you. Nabil Ben HarizBEN HARIZ, Thiais France
Due to Arneson's & Gygax's efforts I will forever cherish the hours & hours I spent huddled in my garage with 6 of my closest friends. It was a wonderfully inventive way to spend a day with friends....even though one was a hair-brained barbarian that would never check for traps, and contributed in me losing my favorite sword.....Even now, though I haven't played in years, in the back of my closet, I still have my dice, manuals, dungeon maps, and character sheets ready if anyone happen to have a game going?? Anyone?? You both shall be missed but never forgotten.Finneas Macabre, USA, Mississippi, Biloxi
As a long time and ardent fan of D&D/aD&D and now a veteran warcrafter in the 40's bracket, this man and the late Gary Gygax have given me thousands of hours of fun, adventure, thrills in the comfort of my own imagination. A great loss that will be felt by all that play the game past and present.Ian Watson, Dorset
While many may disparage the validity or usefulness of role playing games, there is no way to overlook their gateway for loners into social groups. Awkward teens worldwide can find common ground in the escapism role playing provides. I remember picking up the first edition of D&D when I was about ten and being awestruck by the world presented therein, as well as perplexed by the awkward D4 dice. I'm sure many have had similar experiences. This shy and reserved individual has grown to be a productive and sociable member of the community, and I place a great deal of credit for that at the feet of these two men. They spawned a universe of books, games, history, and friendships for me. I wish more people had an understanding of the value and direction they've provided across a wide stretch of all aspects of the entertainment industry. D20s forever.Timothy Roller, Seattle, U.S.A.
Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson didn't just invent a game, they invented a hobby that shaped my entire life. My first memories of Dungeons and Dragons are of family games. I was the Dungeon Master, father was a Fighter, mother was an Elf, and grandmother was a Wizard. I miss those cheerful days, and I'll miss the men who made them possible.Chris Nail, Baton Rouge, LA, U.S.A.
If I'd had the chance in this life, I'd have told Dave Arneson thanks for D&D and all the attendant good times I've enjoyed with my friends as a result of playing the game. My heartfelt condolences go out to the Arneson family.Ewan Cummins, USA
RIP. I spent many hours with my friends enjoying RPG's including Mr. Arneson's games. The quality of entertainment and thought he put into his games and game systems provided millions of people a popular and relaxing pastime. That is his legacy. He left the world much improved than he entered it. In the end, that is all anyone can do.mike, Buffalo, NY
The true wizards have departed. May your hit points always be copious.William Sherman, Boxford, MA, USA
