The UK game industry has paid tribute to Paul McLaughlin, who died in December aged 57 after a long battle with cancer.
Paul was head of art at Godus developer 22cans, but before that worked at Fable maker Lionhead and Dungeon Keeper creator Bullfrog in a career that spanned more than 30 years across the Guildford development scene. Paul played a key role in the Fable series, Black & White, as well as Populous 2, Theme Park, Syndicate, Magic Carpet and Dungeon Keeper.
Eurogamer collected a number of tributes from those who worked with Paul over the years, and has published them below.
Peter Molyneux, co-founder, Bullfrog, Lionhead and 22cans
“Paul entered my life back in 1990 when he started at Bullfrog as employee number four. He was the first proper games artist I had ever encountered. Immediately he became invaluable, an essential part of the many titles we all worked on. He absolutely made all the difference on Powermonger, Syndicate, Magic Carpet, Theme Park and Dungeon Keeper.
“Then, when Lionhead was set up, he not only guided Black & White, The Movies and Fable but also helped direct the company. A great artist, a wonderful mentor and an inspirational man.
“Paul was a huge cornerstone in my life. He was a professional, moral and funny person who had the ability to see the fair and sensible approach in any situation. I miss him every day in every way. His legacy will be felt and seen for a long, long time.”
Annah Wootten-Pineles, lead artist, 22cans
“I’m not sure where to start, really, besides saying how glad I am to have known and worked alongside Paul. He was a very talented artist and art director, whose quiet and methodical guidance made him a well-respected leader of the team.