The UK gaming industry is in recent silence to mourn Paul McLaughlin, who died in December at the age of 57 after battling cancer.
He started at Bullfrog Productions, the developer of Theme Parks (released in 1994), and has been in the development of games for more than 30 years. He spent 15 years as artistic director at Lionhead Studios, where he helped oversee the production of the Fables and Black and White series. Most recently, he was the artistic director of Peter Molyneux's newest studio, 22cans.
Eurogamer pays tribute to McLaughlin, led by Molyneux, saying, "Paul entered my life back in 1990 when he started working as a staff number four at Bullfrog. He was the first real game artist I met. He immediately became priceless and an integral part of the many games we developed together, playing a huge role in the development of Powermonger (released in 1990), Syndicate (1993), Magic Carpet (1994), Theme Park, and Dungeon Keeper.
Then, when Lionhead was founded, he not only directed Black and White, Movie DreamWorks, and Fables, but also helped direct the company. A great artist, a wonderful mentor and an inspiring person. Paul is a huge cornerstone of my life. He is a professional, ethical and funny man with the ability to see fair and sensible practices in any situation. I miss him every day in every way. His legacy will be felt and seen for a long, long time. ”
22cans principal artist Annah Wootten-Pineles called him "a very talented artist and art director whose quiet and methodical coaching has made him a respected leader on the team," said Hiddengrin CEO Jonty Barnes, "He's humble, inspiring, and doesn't shy away from tough conversations when you ask for his advice." He brought a positive attitude into the room and, based on dry humor, reminded us that making games was an honor and should be a pleasant profession, so we didn't think highly of ourselves. ”
McLaughlin was left behind with his wife and three children.