Veteran games industry artist Viktor Antonov has died aged 52.
The news was revealed on an Instagram story by former Valve writer Mark Laidlaw – reposted here – though there are yet to be any details shared about how the "visionary art lead" passed.
Born in 1972, Antonov contributed to a number of iconic video game titles, including Half-Life 2, Dishonored, Counter-Strike: Source, Wolfenstein: The New Order, Fallout 4, Doom 2016 and Prey, among others.
"I wish I told you how much admiration I had for you but we get caught in our lives until a surprise like this hits us," Arkane veteran Raphael Colantonio wrote on BlueSky.
"You were instrumental to the success of Arkane Studios and an inspiration to many of us, also a friend with whom I have many fond memories."
Arkane's Harvey Smith added: "Good memories of travel together with both of you; London, Dallas, Lyon. All this about his impact and talent is true, but I will also always remember how much he made me laugh, with his dry, devastating wit. RIP."
Bethesda alum Pete Hines posted on Twitter: "Saddened to hear of Viktor’s passing. What an incredible talent he was. His ability to breathe life and meaning into the worlds he built, like Dishonored, was special.
"Thanks for all the hours of joy you gave us, Viktor. You’ll be missed."
