Dave Arneson

• Born 1947-10-01 · Died 2009-04-07

Dave Arneson was a pioneering American game designer best known as the co-creator of *Dungeons & Dragons*, the first published tabletop role-playing game. His early work on Blackmoor introduced key RPG concepts like dungeon exploration, character-driven storytelling, and the role of a neutral referee. A lifelong gamer and teacher, Arneson helped shape the RPG genre and taught game design at Full Sail University.