Gary Gygax Day

Gary Gygax Day is an unofficial holiday celebrated on July 27th each year in honor of Gary Gygax, the co-creator of the tabletop role-playing game (RPG) Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). Gary Gygax played a significant role in shaping the world of gaming, and his contributions have had a lasting impact on the gaming community. Today the City of Geneva, Wisconsin is dedicating a memorial bench donated by the Gygax Memorial to officially commemorate today as Gary Gygax Day to celebrate its most famous son.

Dungeons & Dragons, created by Ernest Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson introduced the world to fantasy table-top games, and we have been hooked ever since. The game was first published in 1974, and it revolutionized the world of gaming by introducing a system that allowed players to immerse themselves in imaginary worlds, assume roles of fictional characters, and embark on adventures guided by a Dungeon Master (DM). Even though it was created almost fifty years ago, it remains one of the most popular games despite having undergone many spin-offs, adaptations, and additions. The game's influence has since extended beyond the tabletop to influence video games, literature, and popular culture. Gary Gygax is often called the ‘father of modern role-playing games.’

Gary Gygax passed away on March 4, 2008, but his legacy continues to be celebrated by gaming enthusiasts around the world on Gary Gygax Day. People often commemorate the day by playing Dungeons & Dragons, sharing stories about their gaming experiences, and expressing their appreciation for Gygax's creativity and impact on the gaming community. Feel free to share your experiences with friends or in the comments.