Ernest Gary Gygax was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Ernest Edward Gygax and Alfaretta Emma Steck. His early life was marked by a fascination with pulp fantasy and science fiction, a passion that would later fuel his creative endeavors. He immersed himself in the works of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Robert E. Howard, and Jack Vance, laying the foundation for his later world-building achievements.

During his childhood and adolescence, Gygax developed a keen interest in miniature wargaming. He began crafting his own miniatures and devising complex rulesets for recreating historical battles. This early foray into wargaming provided invaluable experience in game mechanics and design principles, skills that he would later refine and adapt for Dungeons & Dragons.

Recognizing a shared passion for wargaming, Gygax co-founded the Lake Geneva Tactical Studies Association (LGTSA) in 1967. This group served as a hub for wargamers in the Lake Geneva, Wisconsin area and provided a platform for experimenting with new game mechanics and scenarios. The LGTSA proved to be a crucial incubator for the ideas that would eventually coalesce into Dungeons & Dragons.

Gygax encountered Dave Arneson at Gen Con in 1969 and they began collaborating. Arneson's game Blackmoor, a miniatures wargame with a focus on individual heroes and dungeon exploration, sparked a creative synergy with Gygax's existing wargaming rulesets. Together, they began to develop a new type of game that emphasized role-playing, narrative, and character development. Blackmoor was very influential in the creation of what would be D&D.

In 1974, Gygax, along with Don Kaye, founded Tactical Studies Rules, Inc. (TSR) and published the first edition of Dungeons & Dragons. Initially released as a boxed set of three booklets, D&D revolutionized the gaming landscape. It introduced the concept of role-playing to a wider audience, blending wargaming mechanics with elements of fantasy literature and collaborative storytelling. The game's success was immediate and transformative.

The late 1970s and early 1980s witnessed the explosive growth of TSR and the surging popularity of Dungeons & Dragons. Gygax played a pivotal role in shaping the game's evolving rules, creating iconic settings such as Greyhawk, and writing numerous supplements and adventures. He also navigated the challenges of managing a rapidly expanding company and addressing concerns about the game's perceived influence.

Internal conflicts and power struggles within TSR led to Gygax's ouster from the company in 1985. This marked a significant turning point in his career, severing his direct involvement with the game he had co-created. The circumstances surrounding his departure remain a topic of debate within the gaming community.

After leaving TSR, Gygax embarked on a career as a freelance game designer and author. He founded New Infinities Productions, Inc. and continued to contribute to the gaming industry through various projects, including the creation of new role-playing games and novels. He worked on projects such as Dangerous Journeys and Lejendary Adventures.

Gary Gygax passed away on March 4, 2008, in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, at the age of 69. His death marked the end of an era for the gaming community. Gygax's legacy as a pioneer of tabletop role-playing remains secure, and his contributions continue to inspire game designers and players around the world. Dungeons & Dragons, the game he co-created, endures as a cultural phenomenon.