The statement also added that during the pandemic, Altman was sending weekly emails to employees and sharing one such letter to the public. In it, Altman tells employees that they need to find time for themselves during the pandemic and take social distance.
“We know that many feel the pressure of isolation and the stress associated with our current circumstances,” wrote Altman. “Again, I urge you to make time for yourself daily, schedule social gatherings online, and keep your perspective, knowing this will pass.”
You can read Altman’s letter in the tweet below.
We are deeply saddened to tell you about the death of Robert A. Altman, our Founder and CEO. He was a true visionary, friend and believer in people’s minds and the power of what they could achieve together. He was an extraordinary leader and an even better person. 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 founded ZeniMax Media as the new parent company for the Maryland-based game studio.
Under Altman, ZeniMax grew into a number of renowned game studios, including Arkane Studios, id Software, MachineGames and Tango Gameworks. Combined, these studios worked on some of the biggest games in the industry such as Fallout, Wolfenstein, Dishonored, Doom, and more.
He is survived by his wife, Lynda Carter, and two children.
Matt TM Kim is a reporter for IGN.
(Photo by Vivien Killilea / Getty Images for Bethesda)
Correction: An earlier version of this story stated that Altman was 74. He was 73. The text has been corrected with the correct age.