Liz Danforth
Encyclopedia
Elizabeth T. Danforth is a figure of note in the game industry. Although primarily recognized as an illustrator, she is an editor, writer, game scenario designer, and game developer.
, TSR, Inc, Alderac Entertainment Group
, FASA Corporation, Iron Crown Enterprises
, GDW, and more. She produced over 50 pieces of art for the massively popular collectible card game Magic: the Gathering
(produced by Wizards of the Coast) as well as an equal quantity of illustrative artwork for the Middle-earth Collectible Card Game
, and Legend of the Five Rings
, and many others. Her maps and illustrations appear in novels and anthologies from Bantam Spectra
, Tor Books
, DAW Books
, and St Martin's Press.
She has freelanced for the computer game industry, developing scenarios for two licensed Star Trek computer games from Interplay
and worked on Interplay's much anticipated Meantime
which was never released. She was the lead developer for New World Computing
's Tunnels & Trolls computer game, and worked on projects with Electronic Arts
.
In July 1996, Elizabeth was inducted into the Academy of Gaming Arts and Design's Hall of Fame (award date 1995). The Academy is the creative arm of GAMA, the Game Manufacturer's Association http://www.gama.org/. She is a lifetime member of ASFA, the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists http://www.asfa-art.org/.
Liz has been artist guest of honor at countless science fiction conventions over the past 30 years, including CascadiaCon http://www.cascadiacon.org/, the North American Science Fiction Convention held in Seattle (2005).
's million-dollar grant-funded project to explore how gaming can be used to improve problem-solving and literacy skills, and to develop a model gaming "toolbox" for gaming in libraries. Ten libraries nationwide were selected to receive a onetime grant of $5,000 with funds used to expand on or add literacy-based gaming experiences at the library for youth ages 10–18.
Combining her expertise in gaming and libraries, Liz writes the "Games, Gamers and Gaming" blog and column for Library Journal
(since March 2009). She speaks at professional and fan conferences, and at libraries on gaming-related topics including research in progress about 21st Century skills—leadership, creativity, problem solving, technological knowledge, language arts—acquired in World of Warcraft
that transfer to real life. Based in Arizona, she continues to freelance art and writing.
Creative works
Liz is known primarily as a freelance artist in the fantasy and science fiction genres, with the majority of her body of work illustrating for the game industry between 1976 and 2004. She has created book covers, maps, and illustrations for many of the significant game publishers including Wizards of the CoastWizards of the Coast
Wizards of the Coast is an American publisher of games, primarily based on fantasy and science fiction themes, and formerly an operator of retail stores for games...
, TSR, Inc, Alderac Entertainment Group
Alderac Entertainment Group
Alderac Entertainment Group, or AEG, is a publisher of role-playing game and collectible card game products. AEG was formed by Jolly Blackburn in 1993 and is based in the city of Ontario, California...
, FASA Corporation, Iron Crown Enterprises
Iron Crown Enterprises
Iron Crown Enterprises was a publisher of role playing, board, miniature battle, and collectible card games.ICE was incorporated in 1980 shortly after the principal founders graduated from the University of Virginia...
, GDW, and more. She produced over 50 pieces of art for the massively popular collectible card game Magic: the Gathering
Magic: The Gathering
Magic: The Gathering , also known as Magic, is the first collectible trading card game created by mathematics professor Richard Garfield and introduced in 1993 by Wizards of the Coast. Magic continues to thrive, with approximately twelve million players as of 2011...
(produced by Wizards of the Coast) as well as an equal quantity of illustrative artwork for the Middle-earth Collectible Card Game
Middle-earth Collectible Card Game
Middle-earth Collectible Card Game is a collectible card game released by Iron Crown Enterprises in late 1995. It is the first CCG based on J.R.R...
, and Legend of the Five Rings
Legend of the Five Rings (collectible card game)
The Legend of the Five Rings collectible card game is a collectible card game created by Alderac Entertainment Group, in 1995. L5R takes place in the fictional empire of Rokugan from the Legend of the Five Rings setting, where several clans and factions vie for domination over the empire.The card...
, and many others. Her maps and illustrations appear in novels and anthologies from Bantam Spectra
Bantam Spectra
Bantam Spectra is the science-fiction division of Bantam Books, which is owned by Random House.According to their website, Spectra publishes "science-fiction, fantasy, horror, and speculative novels from recognizable authors" Spectra authors have collectively won 31 such awards in the fields of...
, Tor Books
Tor Books
Tor Books is one of two imprints of Tom Doherty Associates LLC, based in New York City. It is noted for its science fiction and fantasy titles. Tom Doherty Associates also publishes mainstream fiction, mystery, and occasional military history titles under its Forge imprint. The company was founded...
, DAW Books
DAW Books
DAW Books is an American science fiction and fantasy publisher, founded by Donald A. Wollheim following his departure from Ace Books in 1971. The company therefore claims to be "the first publishing company ever devoted exclusively to science fiction and fantasy." The first DAW Book published was...
, and St Martin's Press.
She has freelanced for the computer game industry, developing scenarios for two licensed Star Trek computer games from Interplay
Interplay
Interplay may refer to:* Interplay , a 1957 album by jazz musician John Coltrane* Interplay , Jerome Robbins, 1945* Interplay , a 1962 album by jazz musician Bill Evans...
and worked on Interplay's much anticipated Meantime
Meantime
Meantime is the second album and major-label debut by Helmet, released in 1992 on Interscope Records. Meantime has continued to sell consistently well in the years since its release, and in 1994 was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.Helmet released one single from...
which was never released. She was the lead developer for New World Computing
New World Computing
New World Computing, Inc. was an American computer game developer and publisher founded in 1984 by Jon Van Caneghem, his wife, Michaela Van Caneghem, and Mark Caldwell. It was best known for its work on the Might and Magic computer role-playing game series and its spin-offs, especially Heroes of...
's Tunnels & Trolls computer game, and worked on projects with Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts, Inc. is a major American developer, marketer, publisher and distributor of video games. Founded and incorporated on May 28, 1982 by Trip Hawkins, the company was a pioneer of the early home computer games industry and was notable for promoting the designers and programmers...
.
In July 1996, Elizabeth was inducted into the Academy of Gaming Arts and Design's Hall of Fame (award date 1995). The Academy is the creative arm of GAMA, the Game Manufacturer's Association http://www.gama.org/. She is a lifetime member of ASFA, the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists http://www.asfa-art.org/.
Liz has been artist guest of honor at countless science fiction conventions over the past 30 years, including CascadiaCon http://www.cascadiacon.org/, the North American Science Fiction Convention held in Seattle (2005).
Academic interests
More recently, Liz has completed a master's degree in Information and Library Science (University of Arizona, 2008), and is one of a dozen hand-selected "gaming experts" who participated in the American Library AssociationAmerican Library Association
The American Library Association is a non-profit organization based in the United States that promotes libraries and library education internationally. It is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with more than 62,000 members....
's million-dollar grant-funded project to explore how gaming can be used to improve problem-solving and literacy skills, and to develop a model gaming "toolbox" for gaming in libraries. Ten libraries nationwide were selected to receive a onetime grant of $5,000 with funds used to expand on or add literacy-based gaming experiences at the library for youth ages 10–18.
Combining her expertise in gaming and libraries, Liz writes the "Games, Gamers and Gaming" blog and column for Library Journal
Library Journal
Library Journal is a trade publication for librarians. It was founded in 1876 by Melvil Dewey . It reports news about the library world, emphasizing public libraries, and offers feature articles about aspects of professional practice...
(since March 2009). She speaks at professional and fan conferences, and at libraries on gaming-related topics including research in progress about 21st Century skills—leadership, creativity, problem solving, technological knowledge, language arts—acquired in World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game by Blizzard Entertainment. It is the fourth released game set in the fantasy Warcraft universe, which was first introduced by Warcraft: Orcs & Humans in 1994...
that transfer to real life. Based in Arizona, she continues to freelance art and writing.
Mini-list of projects
- Of Dice and Pen (anthology by editor Fred Poutre; publisher: Flying Pen Press, 2008): short story http://www.amazon.com/dp/0981895727
- Spirit Gate (novel by author: Kate ElliottKate ElliottKate Elliott is the pen name of American fantasy and science fiction writer Alis A. Rasmussen .-Writing:Although Rasmussen's first novels The Labyrinth Gate and The Highroad failed to become bestsellers, additional publishers liked her manuscripts but wanted a fresh name unconnected with the...
; publisher: Tor Books, 1997): maps - An Irish Country Doctor and An Irish Country Girl (novels by author: Patrick TaylorPatrick Taylor (author)Patrick Taylor is a retired medical researcher and best-selling novelist.Born in 1941 and brought up in Bangor, Northern Ireland, Taylor studied and practiced medicine in Belfast and rural Ulster before immigrating to Canada in 1970 to work in the field of human infertility...
; publisher Macmillan PublishersMacmillan PublishersMacmillan Publishers Ltd, also known as The Macmillan Group, is a privately held international publishing company owned by Georg von Holtzbrinck Publishing Group. It has offices in 41 countries worldwide and operates in more than thirty others.-History:...
/St Martin's Press: maps - Tunnels & Trolls Fifth Edition (publisher: Flying Buffalo Inc, 1979): editor, developer and illustrator
- Highwaymen: Robbers and Rogues (anthology edited by Jennifer RobersonJennifer RobersonJennifer Mitchell Roberson is an author of fantasy and historical literature.Roberson has lived in Arizona since 1957. She grew up in Phoenix, but in 1999 relocated to Flagstaff. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in journalism from Northern Arizona University in 1982 as an adult student...
; publisher: DAW Books; 1997): illustrator - Cheysuli and Sworddancer novels by author: Jennifer RobersonJennifer RobersonJennifer Mitchell Roberson is an author of fantasy and historical literature.Roberson has lived in Arizona since 1957. She grew up in Phoenix, but in 1999 relocated to Flagstaff. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in journalism from Northern Arizona University in 1982 as an adult student...
; publisher DAW Books: maps - Dragon Crown War (novel by author: Michael A. StackpoleMichael A. StackpoleMichael A. Stackpole is a science fiction and fantasy author best known for his Star Wars and Battletech books. He was born in Wausau, Wisconsin, but raised in Vermont...
; publisher: Bantam Spectra; 2002): map - Magic: the Gathering: card artist in Legends, Ice Age, Fallen Empires, Homelands, Alliances, Coldsnap, Mirage, Time Spiral, and in the Unhinged parody set. Her art appears in Magic: the Gathering OnlineMagic: The Gathering OnlineMagic: The Gathering Online or Magic Online is a direct video game adaptation of Magic: The Gathering, utilizing the concept of a virtual economy in order to preserve the collectible aspect of the card game. It is played through an Internet service operated by Wizards of the Coast, which went...
as well as on several promotional cards. - Lord of the Rings Adventure gameLord of the Rings Adventure GameLord of the Rings Adventure Gaming is a role-playing game based on the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien under license from Tolkien Enterprises. Iron Crown Enterprises published the game until they lost the license on 22 Sep 1999.-Setting:The setting for LOR is an expanded version of J. R. R. Tolkien's...
and Middle Earth Role Playing GameMiddle-earth Role PlayingMiddle-earth Role Playing is a 1984 role-playing game based on the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien under license from Tolkien Enterprises. Iron Crown Enterprises published the game until they lost the license on 22 Sep 1999.-Setting:The setting for MERP is an expanded version of J. R. R...
(I.C.E.): illustrator of numerous books and modules - Legend of the Five Rings Collectible Card GameLegend of the Five Rings (collectible card game)The Legend of the Five Rings collectible card game is a collectible card game created by Alderac Entertainment Group, in 1995. L5R takes place in the fictional empire of Rokugan from the Legend of the Five Rings setting, where several clans and factions vie for domination over the empire.The card...
(Alderac EntertainmentAlderac Entertainment GroupAlderac Entertainment Group, or AEG, is a publisher of role-playing game and collectible card game products. AEG was formed by Jolly Blackburn in 1993 and is based in the city of Ontario, California...
): card artist - Legend of the Burning SandsLegend of the Burning SandsLegend of the Burning Sands is a collectible card game published by Five Rings Publishing Group in 1998. It was a spin-off from the earlier CCG Legend of the Five Rings...
(Five Rings PublishingFive Rings Publishing GroupThe Five Rings Publishing Group was formed as a spin-out of Alderac Entertainment Group and ISOMEDIA.-History:In 1996, Alderac Entertainment Group and ISOMEDIA divested themselves of their joint operating venture, and created Five Rings Publishing Group...
): card artist - Battletech Collectible Card Game FASA Corporation: card artist
- Star Trek: 25th Anniversary computer game from InterplayInterplayInterplay may refer to:* Interplay , a 1957 album by jazz musician John Coltrane* Interplay , Jerome Robbins, 1945* Interplay , a 1962 album by jazz musician Bill Evans...
: scenario designer - Star Trek: Judgment RitesStar Trek: Judgment RitesStar Trek: Judgment Rites is a computer game first produced by Interplay in 1993, featuring the original cast of the classic Star Trek in a series of new adventures, including one featuring Trelane, the omnipotent child from the original episode "The Squire of Gothos"...
1993 computer game from InterplayInterplayInterplay may refer to:* Interplay , a 1957 album by jazz musician John Coltrane* Interplay , Jerome Robbins, 1945* Interplay , a 1962 album by jazz musician Bill Evans...
: scenario designer - Tunnels & Trolls: Crusaders of KhazanTunnels & Trolls: Crusaders of KhazanCrusaders of Khazan is a computer adaptation of the tabletop role-playing game Tunnels and Trolls, developed and published by New World Computing in 1990 for the PC, FM Towns, PC-88 anc PC-98...
(computer game, New World Computing, 1990): lead writer/designer
External links
- http://www.lizdanforth.com/ Personal Web Site
- http://foundation.verizon.com/about/press/newstory_verizon_ala2008.shtml -- Verizon Foundation press release on the gaming in libraries project
- Pen & Paper listing for Liz Danforth