The Gamesmaster: Almost Famous in the Geek 80s

In the late 70s and early 80s, popular culture exploded as cartoons became vehicles to sell toys and the modern blockbuster rose to prominence in cinemas. G.I. Joe and Transformers are still influential properties today, but one name that helped craft both franchises (and many others) is probably unfamiliar to you: Flint Dille.

The Gamesmaster chronicles what Dille calls “The Geek ’80s,” his animation and pop culture heyday, exploring the birth, growth, and tumultuous developments behind Dungeons & Dragons, G.I. Joe, Transformers, the animated Star Wars shows Droids and Ewoks, and more.

As Flint shares his journey through the offices of TSR and the writers’ rooms of various animated shows (both seismic and forgotten), you’re given what genuinely feels like an outsider’s view of Hollywood, a fan’s glimpse of behind the scenes. Although Dille’s not the most focused or artful storyteller (this feels more like a rambling series of conversations than a traditional autobiography), he is an immensely charming and likable narrator, happily sharing credit, admitting missteps, lamenting the bad luck of friends (the TSR sections are a tough read), and celebrating the legacies he played an influential role in crafting.