The Elder Scrolls. Fallout. Doom. Bethesda has had quite the storied history over the years. One of the reasons for that has been the leadership from their parent company (ZeniMax Media) – specifically that of founder and CEO Robert A. Altman. In the 21 years since Altman founded the company, it has been pumping out many gaming franchises that have become fan favorites to millions of gamers worldwide.

Unfortunately, Altman passed away on Thursday (February 4, 2020) at the age of 73. No cause of death has been made public. Bethesda released a statement on their social media about Altman’s passing, calling Altman “a true visionary, friend, and believer in the spirit of people and the power of what they could accomplish together.”

We are deeply saddened to tell you of the passing of Robert A. Altman, our Founder and CEO. He was a true visionary, friend, and believer in the spirit of people and the power of what they could accomplish together. He was an extraordinary leader, and an even better human being. pic.twitter.com/FZFsVtHc5t

— Bethesda (@bethesda) February 4, 2021

Altman began ZeniMax while working as a lawyer, drawing investments from high-profile individuals like director Jerry Bruckheimer, former Virginia governor, Terry McAuliffe and baseball Hall-of-Famer Cal Ripken Jr. among others. It then grew by leaps & bounds after acquiring the Fallout franchise from its original publisher in 2004, Wolfenstein, Doom and Quake franchises in 2009, and then absorbing Arkane Studios and MachineGames in 2010. All allowing Bethesda the freedom to take gaming to another level.

Robert A. Altman is survived by his wife, Lynda Carter, whom he married in 1984 and their children. Carter has lent her voice talents to several roles across games like Fallout 4, and five of the Elder Scrolls titles. A titan in the world of gaming, Altman will be missed by many.