risk's descent with modification:
http://warlight.net/News.aspx
step 1: fizzer slightly modifies risk, played on risk map
step 2: someone makes earth map
step 3: fizzer slightly modifies earth map to make middle earth map
step 4 (on-going process): new cards/fogs/other settings
step 5: medium earth ladders
step 6 (on-going process): people yell into empty cave (forum) about improvements that would make the game better
step 7: seasonal ladders (3/4 are medium earth with slightly modified settings)
conclusion: fizzer might be chinese or japanese.