TSR’s Dragon Magazine wasn’t the only fantasy mag in town. Steve Jackson put out Fantasy Gamer Magazine for 6 issues back in 1983 & 1984. In fact, at the time of this writing, the 1st issue just hit its 40th birthday!
Holy smokes, this is a treasure trove! I love the inclusion of full games and gaming materials in these magazines! And the artwork is great, but the typeface...could have used some work.
Harnworld is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, but seeing the first article on "Harn" really brings home what a long time that is!
I had no idea Warren Specter, creator of the video game Deus Ex, worked in the TTRPG industry. But there's his name, all over the magazines!
Bug-Eyed Monsters nearly sent me down a rabbit hole. Turns out it's a wargame with the most generic-looking map I've ever seen, totally disappointing given the pulpiness of the cover. But there's also a Japanese version? Wild.
Thanks for this great insight into gaming history! I might just have to spend some time pouring over these at some point.
Thanks Jonah! I'm so glad you found items of interest and relevance from these old mags. I love seeing the connections, progressions (and sometimes deconstructions!) of companies, creators, artists and authors. I frequently go down these rabbit holes myself and have fun every single time. Thanks again for reading Rediscovered Realms! 🐇
This is amazing. I love your articles.
Thanks Wez! Love your stuff too. 💪
Holy smokes, this is a treasure trove! I love the inclusion of full games and gaming materials in these magazines! And the artwork is great, but the typeface...could have used some work.
Harnworld is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, but seeing the first article on "Harn" really brings home what a long time that is!
I had no idea Warren Specter, creator of the video game Deus Ex, worked in the TTRPG industry. But there's his name, all over the magazines!
Bug-Eyed Monsters nearly sent me down a rabbit hole. Turns out it's a wargame with the most generic-looking map I've ever seen, totally disappointing given the pulpiness of the cover. But there's also a Japanese version? Wild.
Thanks for this great insight into gaming history! I might just have to spend some time pouring over these at some point.
Thanks Jonah! I'm so glad you found items of interest and relevance from these old mags. I love seeing the connections, progressions (and sometimes deconstructions!) of companies, creators, artists and authors. I frequently go down these rabbit holes myself and have fun every single time. Thanks again for reading Rediscovered Realms! 🐇