Ernie Gygax Has Passed Away

Ernest "Ernie" Gygax Jr., son of D&D co-creator Gary Gygax and an early playtester of Dungeons & Dragons, has passed away. The Gygax family confirmed the news via Gary Con's website today. Cause of death was not given, but Gygax had been hospitalized several times in recent years. Gygax is best known for the creation of Tenser, the first magic-user character, and whose name appears on several D&D spells used in current editions. Per Ernest's bio, some of his contributions to the games include multiattacks for fighters, different hit dice for different character classes, and Cone of Cold being a 5th level spell.

Gygax often appeared at gaming conventions, especially Gary Con, and also collaborated on various TTRPG projects. He was involved with a failed attempt to "resurrect" TSR and take over several IPs controlled by Wizards of the Coast, but it failed after litigation and eventual liquidation of assets. During that process, Gygax alienated many with questionable views and also his choice in business associates.

Our condolences to the Gygax family and their friends.

 

[Steampunkette]

May his memory be for a blessing.

 

[Blackstone007]

may you rest in peace. Say hello for us to your dad. He's got a chair waiting at the game table for you, my friend.

 

[ngenius]

Shockingly sad news, and his mother, Mary Gygax, must be devasted, and obviously, too his wife Donna and brother Luke Gygax, brothers, sisters, friends and family. May his soul rest in peace, and a new character be rolled straight down in the next life.

I was just seeking to purchase some of his products like The Marmoreal Tomb which was discussed on some Role Playing Games groups recently.

Ernie Gygax life stories, last interview I think.

 

[Omand]

My he rest in peace. My condolences to his family and friends.

 

[Lakesidefantasy]

Thanks for everything.

 

[Seramus]

Tenser's Final Transformation. May he astrally project to many wondrous planes.

 

[michaeljpastor]

I guess he's the Original Munchkin, if he was playtesting D&D as a kid, yes?

 

[Sacrosanct]

My heart goes out to his family. Luke rushed overnight to fly there, but I don't know if he made it on time. Bouchra (his wife) seemed to imply he might not have

I know Ernie was polarizing, so like my mom says, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.

 

[Dioltach]

Let's all toast him on March Fo(u)rth.

 

[Alzrius]

My condolences to his friends and family.

"I need not describe the feelings of those whose dearest ties are rent by that most irreparable evil, the void that presents itself to the soul, and the despair that is exhibited on the countenance." -Mary Shelley