Greg Stafford, the influential founder of Chaosium Inc., has been named the 2025 recipient of the E. Gary Gygax Lifetime Achievement Award. The award, a prestigious recognition in the tabletop gaming industry, is presented annually at Gary Con, a convention celebrating the legacy of E. Gary Gygax, the co-creator of Dungeons & Dragons.
Stafford, considered a visionary game designer, passed away in October 2018. This award celebrates his profound and lasting impact on the world of tabletop roleplaying games. Chaosium, the company he founded in 1975, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
Gary Con CEO Luke Gygax presented the award to Chaosium’s Jeff Richard on Stafford’s behalf. Richard, in accepting the award, stated,
Short of Gary Gygax himself, no one else is so worthy of that recognition. Thank you, Luke Gygax and Gary Con.”
A Legacy of Innovation
Greg Stafford’s contributions to the TTRPG hobby are immense. He is best known as the creator of the world of Glorantha, a richly detailed and mythic setting that has served as the backdrop for several influential games. His game design credits include:
- RuneQuest: Set in Glorantha, RuneQuest is celebrated for its innovative mechanics and emphasis on mythic storytelling. Stafford created Glorantha, which is the setting for this seminal work.
- King Arthur Pendragon: This groundbreaking RPG, often considered Stafford’s masterpiece, immerses players in Arthurian legend, focusing on chivalry, character traits, and multi-generational campaigns.
- Call of Cthulhu: While not the sole designer, Stafford was instrumental in developing and publishing this iconic horror RPG based on the works of H.P. Lovecraft. His vision helped shape the game into the phenomenon it is today.
- HeroQuest: Stafford also designed HeroQuest, emphasising narrative and flexible game mechanics.
- White Bear and Red Moon: Set in Glorantha, this was Stafford’s first professional game.
Beyond his specific game designs, Stafford’s influence extends to his founding of Chaosium. Under his leadership, Chaosium became known for producing high-quality, innovative, and deeply immersive role-playing experiences. The company’s commitment to rich world-building, engaging narratives, and player-focused design has left an indelible mark on the TTRPG landscape.
The E. Gary Gygax Lifetime Achievement Award is a fitting tribute to Greg Stafford’s enduring legacy. His creative vision, passion for storytelling, and dedication to the gaming community continue to inspire game designers and players worldwide.
(Via Chaosium)
