Today, Tozai Games -- publishers of
Lode Runner remakes on console and mobile platforms -- has announced that the series' original creator, Douglas E. Smith, has passed away.
The company
posted a statement on its website which reads:
It is with great sadness that we learned today of the passing of our friend and colleague, Douglas Smith, the creator of the iconic game, Lode Runner. Our hearts and prayers are with Doug's family during this difficult time. In Doug's honor, we call on the legions of Lode Runner fans everywhere to take a private moment to reflect on your own personal memories of Lode Runner. What a contribution Doug made to the video game industry.
Doug, from all of us at Tozai, and from all of your fans, may you rest in peace.
Lode Runner was originally released by Broderbund in 1983 for a variety of PC platforms and was widely ported, including to game consoles. It was an early hit on the Japanese Famicom (NES) when released by Hudson Soft.
