Dave Arneson Oct 1947 – April 2009
By Cedric on April 10th, 2009Posted In: Blog, Gamer News, Random Thoughts
I was hesitant about making this post.
For one, I want to keep the tone of this site light and jovial. I want to entertain people, to let them forget about whatever might be worrying them in the real world and just enjoy themselves for a while with a bit of light amusement.
Secondly, I didn’t know Dave Arneson personally. I’ve seen him at conventions, but have never actually spoken to him. I didn’t want to say words of remembrance that can be told by others who knew him and say it better.
But his contribution to the hobby that I enjoy is too great for me not to say anything. I tried several times over the past two days to come up with some drawing or strip to dedicate to his memory, but all I keep coming up with is a blank piece of paper.
So words will have to do.
Dave Arneson co-founded Dungeons and Dragons, back in 1974 with Gary Gygax. He was actually the one that came up with the original idea to switch from playing with miniatures skirmish rules to playing as characters, giving them individuality and created what we now know as D&D today.
He helped spawn an industry that is still going strong today, with an estimated 6 million players of table top RPGs worldwide. MMOs today readily admit the influence that D&D has had on their mechanics, from elves and orcs to hit points and character levels, and the number of people who play them are in the tens of millions.
Even in his later years, Dave would still attend the convention circuit and teach others to play the game in his unique style. All he really wanted was for others to have fun.
Because of Dave Arneson, our lives are a little more magical and wondrous than it otherwise would’ve been.
Thanks Dave.


