Full Sail University and the Legacy of Dave Arneson

Growing up, some of my fondest memories revolve around the kitchen table, surrounded by sheets of paper, dice, and the eager faces of my older brother and his friends. We would spend hours delving into the rich, imaginative worlds of Dungeons & Dragons. I was the younger sibling, tagging along on epic quests, battling fierce monsters, and getting lost in intricate dungeons. Little did I know, those early adventures would spark a passion that would shape the course of my life.

Years later, after taking time to explore life’s twists and turns, I returned to school and finished my degree. I wanted to pursue something that would fuel my creativity and allow me to give back to the very community that had given me so much joy as a child. Game design and creative writing were natural choices for me, but the question was: where should I go to make this dream a reality?

When I discovered that Full Sail University was the home of Blackmoor Studios, my decision was made. Named after the first Dungeons & Dragons campaign created by Dave Arneson, the studio was a tribute to one of the co-creators of the game that had meant so much to me growing up. Even more exciting was the fact that Arneson himself had been a part of Full Sail’s gaming staff, teaching the very course I would eventually take…Rules of the Game. It felt like everything had come full circle.

Full Sail’s dedication to preserving Arneson’s legacy is something I’ll always cherish. The studios are not just a space for creating games—they’re a testament to the enduring influence of a man who helped bring the world of tabletop gaming to life. Every time I walked through those doors, I felt a little closer to the kid I once was, rolling dice and imagining grand adventures with my brother. One of the highlights of my time at Full Sail was the opportunity to sit in the very classroom where Dave Arneson once taught.