I’m sorry to report another MMORPG genre obituary tonight: It’s just been announced that veteran MMORPG developer Brad McQuaid has died.

McQuaid was probably best known for his stewardship of the original EverQuest MMORPG at SOE, though of course after his tenure at SOE he went on to found Sigil Games and the much-loved but ill-fated Vanguard MMO. Most recently, he founded and helmed Visionary Realms, which in the last few years has been hard at work on a new and heavily anticipated MMORPG called Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen.

“It is with deep regret we share that Brad McQuaid passed away last night. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by gamers worldwide,” the game’s official Twitter announced just a few minutes ago. “Thank you for bringing us together through your worlds. Rest in peace @Aradune. VR offers our deepest condolences to Brad’s family.”

And so do we, to his family and colleagues and fans, past and present. Even if you never played his specific games, the whole genre and every MMO player owes a debt to him.

“It kills me to even write this – Brad McQuaid has passed away,” former SOE president John Smedley tweeted. “Brad was an amazingly talented creator and EverQuest wouldn’t exist without his genius. He will be missed.”

From the EverQuest Teams, We are devastated to hear of the passing of Brad McQuaid and are eternally grateful for the EverQuest Universe he was instrumental in creating. His effect on all of us is immeasurable & life-changing. Continue your great quest, Aradune. — EverQuest (@everquest) November 20, 2019

MMO dev Raph Koster, also a former SOE exec, also tweeted his sympathies. “Shocked & gutted to hear that that Brad McQuaid aka @Aradune has passed away. A big hearted guy who loved games and the worlds he built. So many memories of design discussions with him over the years. He was so proud of @PantheonMMO. Way too soon. 😞 RIP Brad, you will be missed.”

Other devs and studios, from Intrepid Studios and CCP Games to Wurm Online and Derek Smart, have voiced their shock and sorrow. Here’s former SOE producer Scott Hartsman: “Oh, no. Brad was a friend, and an icon in our world of making worlds. Just stunned. Deepest condolences to his family, and the @PantheonMMO and @EverQuest families.”

VR’s Benjamin Dean on the Pantheon forums further requested that fans “kindly […] respect the privacy of Brad’s family.” Players are gathering on the EverQuest forums, EQ sub, and MMORPG sub to pass along condolences. Smed’s also asked players to tweet their love to @aradune “so Brad’s wife can see the support.”

It is with deep regret and profound sadness that we share that Brad McQuaid, Chief Creative Officer of Visionary Realms… Posted by Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen on Tuesday, 19 November 2019