Andrew C. Greenberg, the co-creator of the popular fantasy RPG game Wizardry, has passed away at the age of 67. The official Wizardry franchise’s Twitter account announced his death, highlighting his significant influence on computer RPGs and gaming culture. Greenberg, along with Robert Woodhead, co-founded the first game in the Wizardry series, titled “Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord,” back in 1981. The game featured a boss named “Werdna,” which is Andrew’s name spelled backward.
The Wizardry franchise has been a long-standing success, inspiring numerous RPGs both in the West and Japan. Particularly in Japan, the franchise has a dedicated fan base, with various spin-offs and adaptations. In fact, a Wizardry OVA was released in 1991, showcasing the game’s popularity and impact on the anime industry.
Aside from his work on Wizardry, Greenberg also attended Cornell University and contributed to other games like Q*bert. He later pursued a career as a patent lawyer and served as the past chairman of the Intellectual Property Committee for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Greenberg’s dedication to the gaming industry and his passion for his work continued until the end of his life. While he may not have been as publicly visible in recent years, he remained accessible to fans and enthusiasts, always willing to share his insights and knowledge about the Wizardry franchise.
The legacy of Andrew C. Greenberg lives on through the enduring impact of Wizardry and his contributions to the world of RPGs. His passing marks a significant loss for the gaming community, but his memory and the games he helped create will continue to be cherished by fans worldwide.