ZeniMax Media Founder And CEO Robert A. Altman Passes Away At 79

zenimax robert a altman bannerRobert A. Altman, Founder and CEO of ZeniMax Media, has passed away at the age of 79. Bethesda Softworks broke the sad news on the company’s official Twitter page.

“We are deeply saddened to tell you of the passing of Robert A. Altman, our Founder and CEO,” tweeted the publisher. “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.”

An outpouring of sympathy from Altman’s colleagues and friends in the industry has been flooding Twitter since the announcement of his death.

“Absolutely stunned and crushed,” tweeted ZeniMax Online Studios Creative Director Rich Lambert. “Robert was not only a great leader, but more importantly an amazing human. I wouldn't be where I am today without him and his support. To all his colleagues, friends and most importantly family - I grieve for you all. He will be sorely missed.”

“A sad moment for the games industry. Robert Altman built ZeniMax into what it is today. My heart goes out to his family, loved ones, and colleagues,” Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella tweeted.

“I am incredibly saddened by the news that we have lost an industry icon, partner, and close friend Robert Altman. Sending love and strength to his family and all the teams at Zenimax/Bethesda during this very difficult time,” wrote Phil Spencer, Executive Vice-President of Gaming at Microsoft.

Altman’s son also penned a letter recognizing his father’s achievements and the work he did for ZeniMax Media. Here’s an excerpt from that letter:

“One of Robert’s most defining personal qualities was how much he always looked out for people, and cared for them. I find it fitting that Robert’s final great professional accomplishment – in a long career of professional accomplishments – was to make a deal to be acquired by Microsoft.

Robert and I had strategic discussions many times, and he was always uncompromising that he would never make a deal if our developers would not support it. ‘I don’t care how much money anyone offers. We will never be acquired unless it’s a good home for our studios,’ he would say.

I can’t think of a better home than Microsoft. And all the more fitting that we will soon be working for Phil Spencer, of course, yet another of Robert’s close friends and a man Robert regularly described as one of the greatest minds in our industry.”

ZeniMax Media is the parent company of several MMO studios and companies, including Bethesda Softworks and ZeniMax Online Studios, the makers of the Fallout and The Elder Scrolls franchise. The company was acquired by Microsoft in November 2020 for $7.5B.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Robert Altman’s family.