Sir Ian Livingstone, Golden Romics of the 37th edition

Author, game designer and entrepreneur, one of the pioneers of role-playing games and modern gamebooks, to be honoured with the Romics Gold Award. 

Sir Ian Livingstone, one of the most influential figures in the history of gaming and interactive entertainment, will be honoured with the Romics Gold Award during the 37th edition of Romics, taking place from 1 to 4 October 2026 at Fiera Roma.

Co-founder of Games Workshop alongside Steve Jackson in 1975, Livingstone played a key role in bringing role-playing games to Europe by introducing Dungeons & Dragons to the UK and helping create iconic brands such as Warhammer, White Dwarf and Citadel Miniatures, all of which became landmarks in the tabletop gaming world.

In 1982, he revolutionised interactive fiction with The Warlock of Firetop Mountain, the first title in the legendary Fighting Fantasy gamebook series, which has sold more than 21 million copies worldwide. Author of some of the series' most celebrated titles—including Deathtrap Dungeon, City of Thieves and Freeway Fighter—Livingstone continues to push the boundaries of interactive storytelling. In 2027, Freeway Fighter will become the first Fighting Fantasy title to be adapted as an augmented reality "Smart Book", combining the printed page with AR technology.

Following his time at Games Workshop, Livingstone was a driving force behind the creation of Eidos Interactive, helping launch some of the most influential video game franchises of all time, including Tomb Raider, Hitman and Deus Ex.

His achievements have been recognised with numerous international honours, including the BAFTA Special Award, induction into the UK Video Game Hall of Fame, and a knighthood in 2022 for services to the video games industry.

At the 37th edition of Romics, Ian Livingstone will meet the public for a special event dedicated to his extraordinary career, retracing the milestones of a journey that helped shape the evolution of gaming—from gamebooks to video games and the latest innovations in interactive storytelling. A unique opportunity to meet one of the visionaries who defined modern gaming culture and continues to inspire authors, developers and players around the world.

Sir Ian Livingstone's participation is made possible thanks to the collaboration with Structura.