When you’ve spent a lot of time in a game, and within a community, you start to think of these people as your friends. Some of them even as family. Although you may not have ever met in person, the bonds you from with these online friends is real. Some, however, do go on to meet in person. Romances have budded from online gaming, and lifelong friendships have been formed. This is why it is always so sad when we lose one of our own.

It’s is with a heavy heart that we write today about the death of Joe Keyser, known by many in the SWTOR community as Dark Edge Gaming. His quick wit and passion for the game are things that will be greatly missed.

Iamsechari has a little write-up here:

I am very saddened to have heard about the loss of Joe Keyser, known to many in the SWTOR player community as Dark Edge Gaming. He was an avid supporter of many streamers and podcasts, and I am proud to have met him and to have been his friend. His loss was very sudden, and he will be deeply missed. If you are moved as I am to contribute to the Gofundme campaign set up to help his family with expenses, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/84cqc48g.

May the force be with you, my friend.

And there is also a Reddit thread in Joe’s honor. Reportedly, he had a stroke and died a few days later. Our thoughts go out to his family and close friends, especially with his death being so sudden. Joe made his mark in the SWTOR community and also the WoW community he was part of before that. He made many friends and his spirit will live on forever.

His final Tweet seems so very fitting now:

RIP Dark Edge Gaming. You will be greatly missed.