Some Industry History

[Mark CMG]

In the late 70s a call went out to gaming industry luminaries for articles to grace the pages of a soon to be published magazine called Different Worlds. The letter heralding this new mag and requesting articles was scanned by its originator and includes a list of who had been solicited. How many of those listed are known to you and what association do you make with each name?

 

[TerraDave]

I recognize about 12 names on the list, purely for there association with early RPGs (which is presumably why they are on the list?).

Though of course, one must always ask: which steve jackson?

Edit: and looking at the address and, well, name on the letter head, getting a pretty strong bay area vibe.

 

[Ed_Laprade]

I recognized 21 names on the list, and would probably be able to find a few more if I still had my collection of DW mags.

But I don't recall the Game World column, did it ever make it into the zine?

 

[Mark CMG]

I recognize about 12 names on the list, purely for there association with early RPGs (which is presumably why they are on the list?).

Though of course, one must always ask: which steve jackson?

I hadn't thought of that but it is true.

Edit: and looking at the address and, well, name on the letter head, getting a pretty strong bay area vibe.

Perhaps. We need someone with back issues to get more answers.

I recognized 21 names on the list, and would probably be able to find a few more if I still had my collection of DW mags.

What did you think of the zine overall?

But I don't recall the Game World column, did it ever make it into the zine?

No idea. Anyone?

 

[SteveC]

This brought back so many memories ... thanks for posting it. I remember going into my local hobby store and picking up Different Worlds when I was just a kid. Still have the early issues somewhere. It really was different time.

Thanks VERY MUCH... you made my day!

 

[Heathen72]

Though of course, one must always ask: which steve jackson?

Given Ian Livingstone is also on the list, I am guessing Fighting Fantasy Steve Jackson

 

[grizzo]

Given Ian Livingstone is also on the list, I am guessing Fighting Fantasy Steve Jackson

I wonder what Tadashi Ehara is up to these days?

 

[jonesy]

I recognize about 13 names.

Also:
Different Worlds Publications - DW#01-47

 

[The Monster]

I recognized 12, counting only those I could actually link with published stuff; about half a dozen more I thought I recognized, but couldn't think of what they'd done, all off the top of my head.
Didn't read much of DW; that was back in my starving-student days, when buying a mini or two was a guilty budget stretch.

 

[shadzar]

Perrin, Gygax, Kask, Ward, Arenson. are all D&Dnames, others I have sen or heard a few of.