Julian Lefay, co-founder of OnceLost Games and known as the "Father of The Elder Scrolls," has passed away at the age of 59

Julian Lefay, often referred to as the "Father of The Elder Scrolls," passed away on July 22 at the age of 59.

A statement on the Kickstarter page for The Wayward Realms by OnceLost Games announced the loss of their "beloved technical director and co-founder." Lefay was praised not just as a colleague but as "a visionary who fundamentally shaped the gaming industry." His innovative contributions laid the groundwork for open-world role-playing games (RPGs), significantly impacting many developers and games that followed.

During his courageous struggle with cancer, Lefay remained devoted to The Wayward Realms, continuously sharing his ideas and guiding the development team to ensure that the game met his vision for excellence. The statement underlined his inspiring qualities of strength, determination, and unwavering focus.

In a touching video shared last week, OnceLost Games revealed that Lefay had stepped back from the project to spend more time with his family. Creative producer Victor, visibly moved, encouraged fans to express their gratitude and support for Lefay in the comments, which have received nearly a thousand responses so far.

Christopher Weaver, founder of Bethesda Softworks, paid tribute to Lefay in an email, describing him as "truly one of a kind" and mentioned that he and his family are helping plan a celebration of Lefay's life. Lefay's daughter, Shae, who was collaborating with her father at OnceLost, also shared a heartfelt message on the Kickstarter page. She invited fans to support the Kickstarter campaign and contribute to Ukrainian war efforts as a tribute to her father.

Shae noted, "He would rest well knowing that his passing will contribute to the causes he felt so strongly about."