Gary Gygax, one of the key creators for the popular role playing game Dungeons and Dragons, passed away in his home on Tuesday morning at the age of 69. He had been battling various health issues for years, including an abdominal aneurysm. Dungeons and Dragons was created in 1974 with Dave Arneson, and has served as the standard in role playing games ever since, inspiring numerous video games directly and in–directed based off of the system. It has also served as a tool of inspiration for many bands, helping develop a fascination with the fantasy world that sometimes extends to a group's lyrical endeavors. Gary was also a prolific writer and a figurehead of the role–playing community, even playing a cartoon version of himself once on the cartoon Futurama. He will be missed by many.

Punknews.org sends our condolences and best wishes to his friends and family.