Surrounded by family and listening to his favorite music, Brown succumbed after a prolonged battle with complications from a series of strokes. "He left on his own terms, surrounded by loved ones," his son Jack shared.

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Brown founded Team17 in 1990 alongside Debbie Bestwick and Michael Robinson, contributing to the creation of over 50 video games, including the iconic Worms series and Alien Breed. He was also the founder of the consultancy Insight For Hire, providing guidance to studios like Double Eleven, Exient, The Blast Furnace, and New Star Games.

The first Worms game, launched in 1995, brought a strategic and humorous twist to the classic Scorched Earth formula. Available across platforms like Amiga, Sega Mega Drive, PlayStation, and MS-DOS, it was one of the first games to feature cinematic replays of in-game events, leaving a lasting impression on gamers.

Tributes from Friends and Colleagues


Brown was widely admired not just for his professional achievements but also for his humor, kindness, and ability to unite people. His loss is felt deeply across the gaming community.

  • Kevin Dent, game developer:
    "Martin was an incredible person who lived life to the fullest and pulled everyone along for the ride. In the video game industry, few people were as infectious as Martin. Everyone probably has a 'Martin story,' and mine always involves meeting him in some obscure bar at a gaming event somewhere in the world."

  • Christie Payne, team member:
    "I've been processing this tragic news and reflecting on Martin’s amazing qualities. He had a fantastic sense of humor, was endlessly mischievous and joyful, but also incredibly kind and thoughtful. He cared deeply for his friends and stayed connected with everyone."

  • Kish Hirani, lead engineer:
    Hirani first met Brown during a visit to Team17’s offices and described him as a bridge between developers and larger entities like PlayStation. "He made my work easier by sharing my contact details with developers who needed help navigating PlayStation’s processes, fostering smoother collaboration." Hirani also recounted their close friendship, which deepened after he left PlayStation: "Martin offered unwavering support during my career transition, and I’ll always cherish the annual group trips to celebrate his birthday in Galway. Next month, he would have turned 58."


Martin Brown’s influence extended beyond the games he helped create. He was a mentor, a friend, and a unifier, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and compassion. His passing marks a significant loss for the gaming industry, but his contributions and spirit will continue to inspire for generations to come.