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it as a less mature game that inspires children to go on to better and more mature games. While it is very possible that many designers (and others) were exposed to D&D as teens or children and did not continue to play as adults, there are countless others who have kept the hobby even as new technology has emerged. Again, an antecedent genre is not necessarily less advanced than the genres the draw upon it.

Furthermore, there have been a great number of advances in games that are not computer-mediated, including TRPGs. For example, the d20 system for TRPGs that emerged in 2000 has changed and improved the game mechanics behind role-playing.1 The system simplifies rolling dice in TRPGs so that a 20-sided die is used for the majority of rolls. Wizards of the Coast viewed this move as a response to solidify the fading TRPG market in the early 1990s by standardizing TRPGs with, then, varying methods for play (www.wizards.com). This move also is significant for the relationship it established between Wizards of the Coast, who controls D&D, and other game design companies. While there was skepticism in the companys’ choice to trademark the d20 system, Wizards of the Coast provided the System Reference Document (SRD), and the Open Gaming License (OGL) to “allow royalty free, nonexclusive use of the game system at the heart of Dungeons and Dragons by anyone who wishes to do so, for both commercial and noncommercial works” (www.wizards.com) This move to standardize systems and share among gaming companies is a far cry from TSR, Inc.’s notorious reputation for litigious pursuits. The earlier owners of D&D were known for pursuing even the smallest copyright infringement, especially in the later years as the company was beginning to fail.

Despite a shift in the traditional business model, D&D fans still gather in traditional consumer spaces, such as stores. As Fine (1983) notes, it is important for fans to be able to connect with one another, and because TRPGs are played in person, there must be physical places where these connections can take place. Two main sites exist for TRPG fans to connect with others. There is the local gaming store and the gaming convention. Although these sites are ultimately designed for profit, they also function against dominant consumer trends. Local gaming stores are very rarely chain stores. While most stores exist mainly for shopping (the backbone of consumer activity) gaming stores are sites for gamers to hang out, meet each other, and play games. Some gaming stores may charge membership fees, but many allow players to game there for free. They rely on the purchase of products needed for the games, such as dice, rule books, or even snacks, but do not charge gamers simply to be there and game. In addition, gaming stores often hold tournaments and special events for players to participate in for prizes. These prizes can be provided by the gaming store or from the larger gaming company. For example, Wizards of the Coast holds worldwide game days when new products are released. At these days, participating gaming stores get modules specially released for the event as well as prices and other sample products.2

Conventions are another gathering place for gamers. The largest of these conventions is actually the birthplace of D&D, GenCon. GenCon was created by Gygax in 1967 and has been an annual gathering place for gamers ever since (www.gencon.com). Originally GenCon was for war gaming enthusiasts, and this is where Gygax met up with Arneson to hear about his new approach to gaming. Today, GenCon is the brand name associated with multiple conventions that take place worldwide. However, the most well known of these is currently held each August in Indianapolis and boasts 27,000 attendees each year (www.gencon.com). Their website describes GenCon as “a consumer and trade experience dedicated to gaming culture and community.” With a four-day pass to the convention costing approximately $75, the convention gaming experience seems to be slightly more commercial than the local gaming store that may allow gamers