Renowned game artist and industry veteran Paul Steed, best known for his landmark 3D modeling work in id Software titles like the Quake and Doom series, has passed away. Details regarding his death have not been disclosed.
Steed spent more than two decades of his life working in the industry, getting his start as an artist and 3D modeler, and eventually transitioning into an entrepreneur and even heading a studio with his most recent role at UTV Ignition Entertainment.
Steed also frequently gave talks at universities, hosted and sponsored contests, participated in discussions at game development online communities, and served as an advisory board member and speaker for the Game Developers Conference.
He got his first industry job at Origin in the early '90s, working on the Wing Commander franchise and other titles for four years. He eventually went on to companies like Iguana Entertainment and Virgin Interactive.
It was at id, though, where Steed gained fame amongst game developers for his work on modeling and animating characters for the company's shooters. He eventually parted ways with the company over creative differences after working there for four years.
After id, Steed bounced around at WildTangent, Atari, and even Microsoft's Xbox Advanced Technology Group, where he worked on the development of Xbox 360 and the XNA tools. He spent five years as president and COO of outsourcing company Exigent before landing at UTV Ignition.
During his Game Career Seminar keynote speech at GDC 2008, he proclaimed, "This is not a job. It's a lifestyle, requiring your heart, your soul and putting all your passion into it. I'm here today because I will never stop."
Steed is one of those people that are too big to fit in a lifetime. His work will forever be known and many generations in the future will look back to what he acomplished and refer to it as "those were the times". RIP Paul Steed. My deepest sympathy goes to his family and friends.
My deepest condolances and warm thoughts to Paul's children and family. We worked closely at Atari for a few years, and not only was Paul one of the brightest, nicest, most professional and talented people I have ever come across in almost 25 years in this industry - he was also a very close friend with a big, warm heart; one of those rare people who would always make room in his busy schedule to meet up whenever we attended the same trade shows. My eyes tear up as I write this - Paul I will miss you.
Steed's been my friend for almost 13 years, and I keep feeling like this is some kind of sick joke. Logically, I realise it can't be, but he always seemed to play the game of life in god-mode.
It's an honour to call him friend, even if he was a crazy bugger.
So terribly sad to lose not just a great talent but a man who, despite being a "superstar" in his own career, was known more for how much he gave back and helped others.
It's an honour to call him friend, even if he was a crazy bugger.
Only the good die young. He will be missed.