# Gilbert Obermair

> Austrian writer (1934-2002)

**Wikidata**: [Q1339613](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1339613)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gilbert-obermair

## Summary
Gilbert Obermair was an Austrian writer, computer scientist, and journalist who lived from 1934 to 2002. Born in Wels, Austria, and passing away in Munich, he established himself as a multifaceted professional whose work spanned literature, technology, and media. His most significant contributions were in the fields of games, puzzles, the video game industry, and educational software, marking him as a pioneering figure at the intersection of creative writing and computing.

## Biography
*   **Born:** February 26, 1934, in Wels, Austria.
*   **Nationality:** Austrian.
*   **Languages:** German.
*   **Education:** Not specified in the source material.
*   **Known for:** Contributions to the fields of games, puzzles, the video game industry, and educational software.
*   **Employer(s):** Not specified in the source material.
*   **Field(s):** Writing, Computer Science, Journalism, Opinion Journalism.
*   **Death:** December 8, 2002, in Munich.
*   **Gender:** Male.

## Contributions
Gilbert Obermair's professional output was diverse, bridging the gap between technical expertise and creative expression. His work as a writer and computer scientist focused heavily on interactive media and logic.

*   **Literature and Journalism:** As a writer and opinion journalist, he contributed to the German-language media landscape.
*   **Game and Puzzle Design:** He was actively involved in the creation and analysis of games and puzzles, recognized as a designer in this field.
*   **Video Game Industry:** Obermair worked within the video game industry, applying his computer science background to digital entertainment.
*   **Educational Software:** A portion of his work was dedicated to educational software, combining his technical skills with a focus on learning and development.

## FAQs

### What were Gilbert Obermair's main professional roles?
Obermair was a multi-disciplinary professional. His primary occupations were listed as a writer, a computer scientist, a journalist, and specifically an opinion journalist. This combination suggests a career that blended technical knowledge with communication and critique.

### What topics did Gilbert Obermair write about?
His field of work directly influenced his writing subjects. He was known for his work on games, puzzles, and the video game industry. Additionally, he contributed to the field of educational software, indicating a focus on the application of technology for learning and entertainment.

### Where was Gilbert Obermair from and where did he die?
He was born in the Austrian city of Wels on February 26, 1934. He died in Munich, Germany, on December 8, 2002.

## Why They Matter
Gilbert Obermair's significance lies in his early synthesis of computer science and creative writing. Working in the mid-to-late 20th century, a formative period for the personal computing and video game industries, he helped bridge the gap between technical development and user experience. By applying computer science principles to games, puzzles, and educational tools, he contributed to the early foundations of gamification and interactive digital media. His dual role as a computer scientist and a journalist/opinion journalist also meant he was not only a creator of content but also a commentator, likely shaping public understanding and critical discourse around emerging technologies and digital culture in the German-speaking world. His work in educational software demonstrates a commitment to using these new tools for pedagogical purposes, an area of lasting importance.

## Notable For
*   **Interdisciplinary Career:** A rare combination of expertise as a computer scientist, writer, and journalist.
*   **Pioneer in Digital Media:** Contributed to the early video game industry and the field of educational software.
*   **Game and Puzzle Design:** Recognized as a designer in the field of games and puzzles.
*   **Cultural Bridge:** An Austrian figure whose work in German-language media connected technical computer science concepts with broader public discourse.
*   **Authoritative IDs:** Recognized in numerous library and authority systems, including the Library of Congress (n85153731), German National Library (GND), and VIAF (112784276), underscoring his documented impact.

## Body

### Early Life and Background
Gilbert Obermair was born on February 26, 1934, in Wels, a city in Upper Austria. He was an Austrian citizen and male. His life spanned a period of immense technological transformation, from the pre-digital era to the dawn of the modern internet age.

### Professional Identity and Classifications
Obermair's career defied simple categorization, officially encompassing several distinct professional identities. He was fundamentally classified as a **writer** and a **human**, but his professional life was built on a tripod of journalism, computer science, and authorship.

*   **Journalism:** He worked as a journalist, specifically noted as an opinion journalist, indicating a role in commentary and editorial content.
*   **Computer Science:** He was a computer scientist, a profession defined by the study and practice of the theoretical foundations of information and computation. This placed him within the industrial and service sectors, focusing on the design of computational systems.
*   **Language:** He spoke, wrote, and signed in German, which was the primary medium for his literary and journalistic work.

### Key Fields of Work and Impact
His professional activities were concentrated in four interconnected areas, where he applied his dual expertise in writing and computer science:

1.  **Games:** Obermair was involved in the field of games, working as a designer. His profile is listed in databases such as BoardGameGeek (ID: 377) and Luding (designer ID: 101).
2.  **Puzzles:** Closely related to his work in games, he was also active in the field of puzzles, contributing to logic and problem-solving entertainment.
3.  **Video Game Industry:** He was a part of the video game industry, applying computer science principles to the creation and analysis of digital games during a key period of its growth.
4.  **Educational Software:** He worked in the domain of educational software, leveraging technology for learning purposes.

### Final Years and Legacy
Gilbert Obermair died on December 8, 2002, in Munich, Germany. His life and work are preserved through a vast network of international authority files and library databases, a testament to his cultural and professional footprint. These include:
*   **ISNI:** 0000000084101263
*   **VIAF ID:** 112784276
*   **Library of Congress Authority ID:** n85153731
*   **Open Library ID:** OL1149864A
*   **German National Library (GND):** Listed with references in the system.
*   **National Library of Poland:** 9810543753405606
*   **Discogs Artist ID:** 1361135

His entry in the Österreichisches Musiklexikon Online further cements his status within the Austrian cultural canon. Obermair's legacy is that of a polymath who successfully navigated and contributed to both the analytical world of computer science and the creative world of writing and journalism.

## References

1. Czech National Authority Database
2. International Standard Name Identifier
3. Discogs
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. Regional Database of the Central Bohemian Research Library in Kladno