Remembering Martyn Brown: A Legacy in Gaming Innovation and Community
Polina Hans
31 Dec 2024
he gaming world has recently experienced a profound loss with the passing of a prominent figure within the sector. Boasting a diverse background that spans several decades, his influence continues to resonate among players and developers.
Martyn Brown, a co-founder of the British video game enterprise Team17, has died at the age of 57. He played a vital role in the creation of Team17 in 1990 through the combination of 17-Bit Software and the Swedish company Team 7. Alongside key industry personalities such as Michael Robinson, Debbie Bestwick, Andreas Tadic, and Rico Holmes are all prominent figures in their respective fields, and Peter Tuleby, Brown helped shape the future of gaming.
Throughout his tenure, Team17 produced an array of beloved titles for the Amiga platform, including Alien Breed, Body Blows, Superfrog, and Project X. The standout success during this era was the Worms franchise, which became a hallmark of the company's legacy and a favorite among players worldwide.
In 2010, a management buyout led by Debbie Bestwick marked a new chapter for the company, and Brown left Team17 in 2011 to pursue a new role at Double Eleven. Earlier this year, he announced on LinkedIn that he had faced redundancy from a developer based in Singapore, shedding light on the tough challenges within the gaming sector, particularly concerning reduced enthusiasm and financial support.
In November, Brown received the Games Legend award at the Games Republic Awards but regrettably could not be present at the ceremony. His impact on the gaming industry, particularly through his time at Team17, remains significant, inspiring many and shaping the landscape of game development.
His passing represents a tremendous loss for the gaming community. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his loved ones as they journey through this difficult period.