Aaron Allston
Aaron Allston was an American writer and game designer, born in 1960 in Corsicana, Texas. He initially studied journalism at the University of Texas at Austin and began his career in media with a position at the Austin American Statesman. In 1980, Allston transitioned into the gaming industry by joining Space Gamer magazine, where he served as circulation manager, assistant editor, and editor. He became a full-time freelance game designer in 1983, working with notable companies like Hero Games and TSR.
Allston published his first novel, *Web of Danger*, in 1988, but after experiencing burnout, he returned to writing fiction more consistently in the early 1990s. He is best known for his contributions to the *Star Wars X-Wing* series, where he reimagined existing characters and introduced new ones. Throughout his career, Allston created numerous video games and supplements, earning accolades such as the H. G. Wells Award and nominations for the Adventure Gaming Hall of Fame. His work has been recognized for its blend of escapism and modern mythology, appealing to both gamers and readers alike.
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Subject Terms
Aaron Allston
Dramatist
- Born: December 8, 1960
- Birthplace: Corsicana, Texas
Biography
Aaron Allston was born in Corsicana, Texas, in 1960. He briefly majored in journalism at the University of Texas, Austin. For one year, he worked for a local newspaper, the Austin American Statesman. His career as a writer and editor began in earnest when he was hired by Steve Jackson as the circulation manager of Space Gamer magazine in 1980. During the two years that followed, Allston was an assistant editor and editor of the magazine, and he also designed his own video games as a freelancer. In 1983, Allston began working full time as a freelance game designer, primarily for the companies Hero Games and TSR.
Allston’s first novel, Web of Danger, was published by TSR in 1988. After several years of self-described burnout, Allston’s second novel was published in 1993. Over the course of several years, Allston moved from game design to fiction writing as a full time career. He began writing novels for the Star Wars X-Wing series on the recommendation of the series’ previous author, Mike Stackpole. Allston retooled several of Stackpole’s characters and created some of his own. He believes the appeal of the X-Wing series is that it functions as escapism while also serving as a modern mythology.
In addition to his novels, Allston has created numerous video games and video game supplements. Some of his products are included in the Dungeons and Dragons game series. He has won several awards for his games, including the H. G. Wells Award for Best Professional Role-Playing Magazine and Game Player magazine’s Best PC Fantasy-Role-Playing Game (1990). In addition, he was nominated for induction into the Adventure Gaming Hall of Fame in 1990.