EverQuest Designer And Veteran MMORPG Developer Brad McQuaid Has Passed Away

everquest 18th anniversary bannerIt’s with a heavy heart that we report that veteran MMORPG developer Brad McQuaid has passed away at the age of 51. The sad news was announced on the official Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen Twitter page and official forums.

“It is with deep regret and profound sadness that we share that Brad McQuaid, Chief Creative Officer of Visionary Realms passed away in his home last night.

Brad was a visionary, a mentor, an artist, a trailblazer, a friend, a husband, a father. He touched thousands of lives with his dreams and concepts. He changed the landscape of video games forever. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered in life and in Pantheon.

Thank you, Brad, for bringing us together through your worlds. Rest in peace, Aradune.”

McQuaid was best known for his role as a key designer, developer, and producer of the classic fantasy MMORPG EverQuest. He later went on to co-found Sigil Games in 2002, the studio behind Vanguard: Saga of Heroes. In 2013, McQuaid founded Visionary Realms and served as the studio’s Chief Creative Officer until his untimely passing. Visionary Realms has been working on a new highly-awaited MMORPG called Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen for the past couple of years.

“Brad was an amazingly talented creator and Everquest wouldn't exist without his genius. He will be missed,” tweeted former Daybreak Games President John Smedley. “We are devastated to hear of the passing of Brad McQuaid and are eternally grateful for the EverQuest Universe he was instrumental in creating. His effect on all of us is immeasurable & life-changing,” the EverQuest team wrote.

Other members of the gaming community also expressed their sympathies on Twitter including Intrepid Studio's Derek Smart, former SOE Producer Scott Hartsman and Raph Koster, another former SOE executive. “Shocked & gutted to hear that that Brad McQuaid aka @Aradune has passed away. A big hearted guy who loved games and the worlds he built. So many memories of design discussions with him over the years. He was so proud of @PantheonMMO. Way too soon. 😞 RIP Brad, you will be missed,” tweeted Koster.

Our deepest condolences go out to Brad’s wife and his family. From all of us here at MMOs.com, farewell Aradune.