Former game developer and curve study Co-founder Michael Berlyn has died aged 73. Berlyn bravely fought cancer for several years. News of his death was shared by industry veterans and fellow developers.
Michael Berlyn’s Eidetic became Bend Studio in 2000
Berlyn had been in the industry for a long time before co-founding Eidetic, which later became Bend Studio when acquired by Sony (then Sony Computer Entertainment). He created Busby the Bobcat and released his first PlayStation game, Busby 3D, in 1996.
Eidetic was later commissioned to create Siphon Filter games, during which Berlyn left the industry.
“He was always a kick in the pants, funny, caring, smart and a great human being.” saying former Bend Studio veteran John Garvin. George Broussard, co-founder of 3D Realms and Apogee writing which was influenced by Berlyn’s work on Infocom adventure games in the 80s and helped launch PC gaming.
In 2005, Berlyn told Game Developer (then Gamasutra) that he had left his own company because he found Siphon Filter’s content concerning. He then returned to the industry and created a series of interactive games and experiences for Windows and mobile devices.
Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones in Berlin.