Tactical Studies Rules, Inc.
History
Tactical Studies Rules, Inc. (TSR) was an American game publishing company and the original publisher of the fantasy role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). The company was founded in 1973 by Gary Gygax and Don Kaye, who were members of the Lake Geneva Tactical Studies Association, a group interested in the play of miniature war games.
TSR's first product was a set of rules for a miniature warfare game, titled "Cavaliers and Roundheads." However, the company's breakthrough product was D&D, published in 1974. The game was an instant success, leading to a boom in the role-playing game market. TSR expanded its product line to include other role-playing games, board games, and related merchandise.
In 1975, Don Kaye died of a heart attack, and his shares in the company were bought by Brian Blume and his father Melvin. This led to a change in the company's management, with the Blumes gaining more control.
TSR faced financial difficulties in the 1980s and early 1990s, despite the continued popularity of D&D. The company was eventually purchased by Wizards of the Coast in 1997, which was subsequently bought by Hasbro in 1999. Today, the TSR brand is owned by Hasbro, and D&D continues to be published under the Wizards of the Coast imprint.
Products
TSR's most famous product is undoubtedly Dungeons & Dragons, the first commercially available role-playing game. D&D was based on miniature war games, with the innovation of each player controlling a single character in a fantasy setting, and having a referee or "Dungeon Master" guide the story.
In addition to D&D, TSR published many other role-playing games. These include "Gamma World," a post-apocalyptic science fiction game; "Star Frontiers," a space opera game; and "Top Secret," a spy-themed game. TSR also published the "Marvel Super Heroes" role-playing game under license from Marvel Comics.
TSR also published a variety of board games, such as "Dungeon!" and "Divine Right," and a line of choose-your-own-adventure books called "Endless Quest." The company also published a magazine, "Dragon," which provided new game content and articles about role-playing games.
Impact and Legacy
TSR's impact on the gaming industry is significant. The company's publication of Dungeons & Dragons established the role-playing game genre, and its influence can be seen in numerous other games, both tabletop and digital. D&D's concepts of character classes, leveling up, and tactical combat have become standard features in many games.
TSR's other games also had an impact on the industry. For example, the "Marvel Super Heroes" game introduced the concept of a "universal" game system that could be used to play in any genre or setting.
TSR's financial difficulties and eventual sale to Wizards of the Coast also had a significant impact on the industry. The sale led to a consolidation of the role-playing game market, with many smaller companies being bought out or going out of business. This has led to criticism of the industry's lack of diversity and innovation.
Despite these criticisms, TSR's legacy remains strong. Dungeons & Dragons continues to be a popular game, with new editions being published by Wizards of the Coast. The game's influence can also be seen in popular culture, with references to it appearing in movies, television shows, and other media.