RIP Jim Ward
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of esteemed game designer James M. (Jim) Ward at the age of 72, as reported in a post on his Facebook page.
Ward was a pivotal figure in the world of tabletop gaming, particularly known for his significant contributions to Dungeons & Dragons and other notable games. A close friend of Gary Gygax, Ward played a crucial role in the early development of Dungeons & Dragons, co-authoring "Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes" in 1976 with Rob Kuntz, which introduced gods into the game for the first time. Additionally, he is renowned as the creator of "Metamorphosis Alpha," the groundbreaking science fiction RPG published by TSR.
During his two-decade tenure at TSR, Ward held various executive positions, leaving in 1996 to pursue other ventures. Notably, he designed the Dragon Ball Z collectible card game and contributed to several other successful CCGs, including Tomb Raider, Wheel of Time, and Babylon 5.
Ward's entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Fast Forward Entertainment, a d20 company, with Timothy Brown, Lester Smith, John Danovich, and Sean Everett. Later in his career, Ward joined Troll Lord Games, where he served as a writer and editor for "The Crusader Journal," Troll Lord's Castles & Crusades magazine.
Ward's legacy extends beyond his game design contributions; he also left an indelible mark within the Dungeons & Dragons universe itself. He was not only the brilliant mind behind the spell "Drawmij’s Instant Summons" but also the hidden name of its inventor, cleverly concealed as "Alucard." Drawmij, an influential archmage and member of the Council of Eight, was a character intertwined with the lore of Dungeons & Dragons, appearing in various Player's Handbooks throughout the editions. Ward's ingenuity and creativity were not limited to spells; his work on "Deities & Demigods" further enriched the D&D universe.
Despite facing health challenges over the past 15 years, including a serious neurological disorder diagnosed in 2010 and a heart attack in 2014, Ward remained dedicated to his passion for gaming. Those who knew him remember him as a warm, humorous individual and a true gamer at heart.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Ward's friends and family during this difficult time. His legacy in the gaming community will continue to inspire and influence for generations to come.
