Dungeons & Dragons Inducted Into Toy Hall of Fame (npr.org)

Snowgen writes: NPR reports that Dungeons and Dragons has been inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame at the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, NY: "The nomination process for the Toy Hall of Fame is open to the public -- but to get in, a toy has to be approved by 'historians, educators, and other individuals who exemplify learning, creativity, and discovery through their lives and careers.'" "More than any other game, Dungeons and Dragons paved the way for older children and adults to experience imaginative play," says Curator Nic Ricketts. "It was groundbreaking. And it opened the door for other kinds of table games that borrow many of its unique mechanics. But most importantly, Dungeons and Dragons' mechanics lent themselves to computer applications, and it had a direct impact on hugely successful electronic games like World of Warcraft." The report adds: "The list of 12 finalists for this year's honors had included bubble wrap, Care Bears, Clue, the coloring book, Nerf ball, pinball, Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots, Transformers and Uno. When it emerged in 1974, Dungeons and Dragons was groundbreaking, says curator Nic Ricketts of The Strong. In addition to its own merits, the game created by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson established a pattern for how similar role-playing games might work -- both on table-tops and, eventually, on computers and other devices."

Comments

Cool list of past winners

[OffTheLip]

Most, if not all, of the toys I played with growing up are already in the hall including erector set, tinker toys, lincoln logs, lego and plenty of other examples. A positive story in a week of tension is appreciated even if not purely tech related.

Ob

[Hognoxious]

It would have got in last year but it made a terrible roll against CHA.

Re:Glad someone recognizes D&D for what it is

[Big Hairy Ian]

A toy. For children. Anyone past mental age of 14 still playing this has BIG issues.

Wow a 9th level Chartered Accountant!