ZeniMax Media co-founder and CEO Robert A. Altman has died at the age of 73. The news was announced via the official Bethesda Twitter account.

As the parent of Bethesda Softworks and several other development studios, Altman’s company grew into one of the biggest game publishers since it was founded in 1999 and have reputable franchises such as Doom, The Elder Scrolls, and Fallout.

Bethesda’s tweet described the late figure:

“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.”

We'd like to share this letter from James Altman on the passing of his father, Robert. https://t.co/QUDDJikuKE

— Bethesda (@bethesda) February 4, 2021

ZeniMax Online (The Elder Scrolls Online developer) creative director Ben Jones gave his condolences:

I'm am stunned by this profound loss. Robert was a shining example of how to lead one’s life: Driven by passion, filled with ambition, conscious of & caring for those around you. He determined to rise all boats in swelling tides / shelter them in unsteady waters. Forever a legend https://t.co/nsadokqEnu

— Ben Jones (@Bagelbeard) February 4, 2021

Altman, 73, is survived by his wife, Lynda Carter, best known for her television portrayal of Wonder Woman in the late 1970s, and she also made a cameo in 2020’s Wonder Woman 1984. Carter has also cameoed in five The Elder Scrolls games (as the deity Azura and others) and in Fallout 4.

Last year, Microsoft acquired Zenimax Media for a whopping US$7.5 billion. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Xbox head Phil Spencer also both gave their condolences:

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. https://t.co/uOgSqKsGWH

— Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) February 4, 2021

EA also gave their condolences:

https://t.co/mhIhPf9vLG pic.twitter.com/D6EQHL76uZ

— Electronic Arts (@EA) February 4, 2021