An indie MMORPG on Steam has lost its lead developer. The community is affected by this and expresses its condolences to her husband and co-worker.
Which developer is it about? Sandra Powers was the lead developer on the MMORPG Project: Gorgon. Together with her husband Eric Heimburg, she had been working on the indie project for years.
Before that, she was involved in other MMORPGs, such as Asheron’s Call and EverQuest II, before she began working on Project: Gorgon with her husband.
The game was released in Early Access in 2018 and is, with 84% positive reviews, one of the highest-rated MMORPGs on Steam. Players are particularly excited about the old-school feel, the sandbox classes, and last but not least, the community itself.
The community is now mourning Sandra Powers, who, according to her husband Eric Heimburg, passed away last weekend. On Discord, he addressed a message to the game’s fans.
What does the developer write? In his statement, Heimburg explains that Sandra Powers has passed away. She had recently been in great pain, and her death was therefore a release.
He himself is grieving and asks the community to forgive delays in the ongoing development of Project: Gorgon.
It’s hard for me to work. I’m going to push the update back a week because I just don’t think I can get enough done this week. I apologize for the delay.
Eric Heimburg via Discord
The planned patch will therefore be delayed, which is understandable. Furthermore, the developer lists the work still ahead of him and thanks the community for their patience. The community has already helped the game quite a bit in the past.
What does the community say? After the news of Sandra Powers’ death, parts of the community immediately gathered on Discord to express their condolences.
- “That’s so sad to hear! I feel for you. Please take the time you need!”, writes Helio/Hantherece.
- “I’m sorry to hear that; life is wonderful, I’m sure she had bright moments too, but unfortunately we all must find an end,” regrets Hextor.
- “I’m sorry to hear that. Take as much time as you need to grieve and celebrate her life. We all love the game that you both built together. Please don’t apologize for any delays, no matter how small,” writes maca.
With this, he speaks for many other users on Discord. They express their condolences but also say that the developer does not need to apologize for the upcoming update being delayed.
He should take all the time he needs to process the loss of his wife.
It is heartwarming to see how much the community sticks together to show compassion and understanding. Sandra Powers will be remembered by the players even after her death as the creative mind behind Project: Gorgon. She has helped guide and develop the MMORPG. Her work will live on.
