The Gygax Legacy: Honoring Gary and Building the Future of Gaming with Heidi & Erik Garland

Director's Dungeon

In this episode of Directors Dungeon, Chris Moreland sits down with Heidi Gygax Garland and her husband Erik Garland to talk about the legacy of Gary Gygax, the co-creator of Dungeons & Dragons. Heidi, Gary's daughter, shares her personal perspective on growing up in a household where gaming was a huge part of everyday life. She talks about what it was like being the child of a man who would change the world of tabletop games forever, and how his work impacted her family and the wider gaming community.

Heidi opens up about some of the special memories she has from her childhood, showing a side of Gary that many people don’t get to see. Erik joins in with his own thoughts, helping to broaden the conversation about the role of gaming, storytelling, and family. Together, they offer a unique look at how Dungeons & Dragons grew from a home project to a worldwide phenomenon.

The episode also covers EGGCon, the convention Heidi and Erik started to honor Gary’s legacy. Heidi talks about the hard work that went into organizing the event, which quickly became a success. From the early planning stages to hosting their second EGGCon, they share their experiences of building a community around their father’s impact on the world of gaming. The conversation highlights not only the challenges of running a convention but also the joy that comes from bringing together people who share a love for gaming and its history.

Listeners will also hear about Heidi’s own journey into the gaming world. She talks about how she’s continued her father’s work by contributing to various writing projects and helping keep his legacy alive. Throughout the episode, Heidi and Erik touch on how the gaming community has changed, with a particular focus on the increasing involvement of women in the gaming scene, something Heidi is passionate about.

This episode is a special look at Gary Gygax’s legacy, not just in the world of Dungeons & Dragons, but in the lives of his family. It’s a celebration of how games can bring people together, tell stories, and leave a lasting mark on the world. Fans of Dungeons & Dragons and anyone interested in gaming history will find this conversation both informative and heartfelt.

🧙‍♀️ Heidi Gygax Garland’s Social Media

• Instagram: @gaxland — Heidi shares updates about their tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) projects and events.
  
• X (formerly Twitter): @heidigygax — She posts about game design, family, and their creative projects.
  
• LinkedIn: Heidi Gygax Garland — She shares professional updates, including their Kickstarter campaign for Dragon Derby: The Sport of Wizards.
  
• Facebook: GAXLAND — The official page for their gaming company, featuring product announcements and event information.
  
• StoryCorps Interview:

Support the film at: https://www.50yearsoffantasy.com/fantasy-fund
Follow our progress on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/50yearsoffantasy
X: https://x.com/50YrsofFantasy

Instagram: @dnd50years

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/50yearsoffantasy/
Produced by: Build Something Media