The statement also added that Altman sent weekly emails to employees during the pandemic and shared one of those letters with the public. In it, Altman tells employees to find time for themselves during the pandemic and social detachment.
“We know that many are feeling the pressure of isolation and the tensions related to our current circumstances,” wrote Altman. “Once again, I ask you to set aside time for you daily, schedule social gatherings online and keep your perspective, knowing that this will pass.
You can read Altman’s letter below in the tweet.
We are deeply saddened to inform you of the death of Robert A. Altman, our founder and CEO. He was a true visionary, friend and believer in people’s minds and in the power of what they could accomplish together. He was an extraordinary leader and an even better human being. pic.twitter.com/FZFsVtHc5t
– Bethesda (@bethesda) February 4, 2021
Born in 1947, Altman began his career as a lawyer in Washington DC In 1999, Altman and Bethesda Softworks founder Christopher Weaver established ZeniMax Media as the new parent company of the Maryland-based game studio.
Under Altman, ZeniMax has grown to include a number of renowned game studios, including Arkane Studios, id Software, MachineGames and Tango Gameworks. Combined, these studios have worked on some of the biggest games in the industry, such as Fallout, Wolfenstein, Dishonored, Doom and more.
He leaves his wife, Lynda Carter, and two children.
Matt TM Kim is an IGN reporter.
(Photo by Vivien Killilea / Getty Images for Bethesda)
Correction: an earlier version of this story stated that Altman was 74 years old. He was 73. The text was corrected at the appropriate age.