Team17 Co-Founder Martyn Brown Passed Away

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As a fellow gaming enthusiast and industry admirer, I find myself deeply saddened by the loss of Martyn Brown, a pioneering figure whose contributions to the gaming world have left an indelible mark that will continue to resonate for generations.

Having spent three decades at the forefront of the gaming scene, Brown was instrumental in shaping the landscape we know today through his groundbreaking work on iconic titles like Worms, Alien Breed, Body Blows, Superfrog, and Project X. His dedication to pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation has left an indelible mark on the gaming industry.

Brown’s journey began in the mid-1980s when he joined a games shop in Leeds after completing technical college. Little did he know that this humble start would lead him to create some of the most beloved and enduring titles in gaming history. His unwavering passion for the craft, coupled with his relentless pursuit of quality, set him apart from his peers and earned him the well-deserved title of Games Legend at the Game Republic Awards.

In my eyes, Martyn Brown was not just a developer or a co-founder; he was a visionary who saw potential where others might have only seen limitations. His tireless efforts to elevate the industry as a whole, particularly during the golden age of Amiga gaming, have undeniably played a crucial role in shaping the world of gaming we enjoy today.

I find myself reflecting on his words during an interview with Retro Games Master: “as co-founder of Team17, I did the general management of the studio in terms of its people and projects. I’m also responsible for the overall quality and content of our titles.” Brown’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and creativity was truly inspiring, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of developers.

In closing, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to Martyn Brown’s family, friends, and colleagues. His contributions to the gaming industry will never be forgotten, and his spirit will live on in the countless lives he touched through his work. As a tribute to this incredible man, I’ll leave you with a little joke he shared during that same interview: “I’ve been told I’m not very good at playing games myself.” Rest in peace, Martyn Brown; your impact will be felt for generations to come.

Sadly, Martyn Brown, one of the founders of iconic British video game publishing company Team17, has sadly passed away at the age of 57. This heartbreaking news was shared by retro gaming enthusiast Mark Howlett on various social media platforms.

In his role as a developer, Martyn Brown played a significant part in developing the iconic “Worms” series, known for its timeless annelid battle gameplay. This popular franchise is still widely recognized across the globe as one of the top video game titles.

Brown played a crucial role in creating iconic games such as Alien Breed, Body Blows, Superfrog, and Project X, which were renowned classics on Commodore Amiga computers during the early era of personal computer gaming.

Brown emerged as a trailblazer in gaming following the fusion of 17-Bit Software and Team 7. Alongside colleagues such as Debbie Bestwick, Allister Brimble, Rico Holmes, Michael Robinson, Andreas Tadic, and Peter Tuleby, he continued his journey to success.

Just last month, I was humbled and honored to receive the prestigious title of “Games Legend” at the Game Republic Awards, a recognition for my 35-year journey of shaping the gaming industry into what it is today.

Martyn Brown, Gaming Pioneer

During an interaction with Peter Ward from Retro Games Master, Martyn Brown shared that his initial involvement in gaming started right after he graduated from technical college, working at a video game store in Leeds during the mid-1980s. It was here that he encountered his first game, which was released in 1984.

After collaborating with Rico Holmes, Andreas Tadic, and Allister Brimble in creating demonstrations, Brown took a plunge into the budding gaming industry, driven by their shared dissatisfaction with the subpar quality of games for the Amiga.

17bit came into existence following this event, and it subsequently merged with Team 7 in 1990 to form Team17. In Brown’s own words, as a co-founder of Team17, he managed the studio’s team and projects on a broader scale, while also overseeing the quality and content of our game titles.

In 2010, Brown decided to move on from Team17, seeking fresh opportunities. This marked the end of a twenty-year journey that significantly shaped the gaming world.

For about the past fourteen years, he primarily focused his work on creating leisurely sports video games, specifically tailored for the mobile platform. His objective was to maintain an enjoyable gaming experience, steering clear of overly pessimistic and exploitative free-to-play mobile game elements.

The impact of Martyn Brown on the gaming industry was profound and difficult to measure precisely. It could be argued that the golden era of Amiga gaming, spearheaded by Team17, significantly shaped our current state in the gaming world.

Thank you, Martyn, for the great games, the memories, and the passion for the art of development.

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2024-12-29 04:39