opinion

Farewell to a Master of Fantasy

When I was a youngster, back in the mid 70s, my older sister read aloud to me JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit and the entire Lord of the Rings series. I was entranced by the world Tolkien created; for months, I went to sleep every night fantasizing about living in a world of elves, orcs, wizards and rangers.

Some years later, a friend of mine introduced me to a game called Dungeons and Dragons. Clearly, I thought, this Gary Gygax fellow who created this game shares my obsession with Tolkien.

Soon, I had a new obsession, and I found myself playing D&D for hours - even days - at a time. Along with a small, tight-knit circle of friends, I hunched over a large wooden table and rolled the dice, over and over, with vivid visions of the fantasy world ever present in my head.

Without exaggeration, I can credit Gygax and his creations with helping my young mind develop, and helping me to become a better thinker.

Prior to getting into playing D&D, math was something I regarded as an unavoidable nuisance imposed on me in the interests of providing me a "well-rounded education." As I eventually moved into the role of Dungeon Master for my small group of D&D enthusiasts, the constant calculating of small numbers contributed to improved math skills, and an fostered an interest in math that I likely never would have developed otherwise.

D&D also cemented for me the idea that fantasies are an important part of being human. The very act of creating something, whether it be art, literature, or a body of science, is rooted it fantasy, rooted in the question “what if?” Few people have inspired more young minds to ask “what if” than did Gary Gygax.

Here’s hoping the fruits of his creativity continue to inspire, enthrall and enlighten future generations for decades to come.

May you rest in peace, Dungeon Master.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

profile

Segpay Marks 20 Years of High-Risk Triumphs

Payment processors are behind-the-scenes players in the world of ecommerce, yet their role is critical. Ensuring secure, seamless transactions while navigating a rapidly changing regulatory landscape requires both technological expertise and business acumen.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

The SCREEN Test: How to Prepare for Federal Age Verification

For those who are counting, there are now 20 enacted state laws in the United States requiring age verification for viewing online adult content, plus numerous proposed laws in the works. This ongoing barrage has been exhausting for many in the adult industry — and it may be about to escalate in the form of a potential new AV law, this time at the federal level.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

Mitigating Retail Shrink Through Intelligent Video Solutions

Retail shrink isn’t just a cost of doing business — it’s an existential threat. Theft, fraud, operational inefficiencies and employee mismanagement chip away at profits in ways that many business owners don’t even realize.

Sean Quinn ·
opinion

How to Master Team Dynamics for Business Success

Having the right team in place is everything. Whether getting a startup off the ground and thriving, or safeguarding an established company, the right — or wrong — people can mean the difference between a successful venture and a failed dream.

Juicy Jay ·
opinion

The Power of Authenticity in Selling Pleasure Products

I’ve been working in the pleasure industry for more than two decades. For a significant chunk of that time, I thought that to be successful in sales, I had to fit a mold. I assumed that selling meant following a formula: say the right things, use the right voice and present myself in a way that was guaranteed to convert.

Kimberly Scott Faubel ·
opinion

Eight Steps to Fast-Track AI Site Approval for Processing

Artificial intelligence is a hot topic these days. AI technology is speeding up the way we do business across all industries and offers numerous benefits, from automating processes to increasing efficiency and scalability.

Cathy Beardsley ·
profile

Dennis DeSantis on Building a Blockbuster Career in Adult Retail

The adult industry and the mainstream Hollywood scene often intersect, and few executives are more familiar with that crossover than Dennis DeSantis.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
opinion

How to Secure High-Risk Transactions With Network Tokenization

Ensuring the security of data as it moves through digital channels is the foundation of safe transactions, and crucial for your success. If your business can’t secure transactions, you’re exposed to myriad processing traumas.

Jonathan Corona ·
profile

'Pleasure Professionals Place' Facebook Group Marks 5 Years of Fostering Connections

Where can you find the pleasure industry’s most tantalizing, trending and relevant conversational banter? For once, we’re not talking about a trade show after-party!

Colleen Godin ·
opinion

How Cannabis Culture Is Reshaping Sexual Wellness, Pleasure

April is a month of celebration: Lovers Day, Earth Day… and 4/20. Once a subculture symbol, “420” has evolved into a movement that bridges cannabis advocacy, wellness and an increasingly vital discussion around sexual health and pleasure.

Ian Kulp ·
Show More