Rebecca Heineman Nears $50,000 GoFundMe Goal Amid Cancer Battle

Rebecca Heineman, a pioneering figure in the video game industry and co-founder of Interplay and Olde Sküül, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with her ongoing battle against cancer.

Heineman, recognized for her groundbreaking work across platforms like the Nintendo Switch and for her pivotal role in shaping the RPG and action genres, has received overwhelming support from the gaming community, with contributions nearing her $50,000 fundraising objective. On October 6, 2025, Heineman updated her campaign, revealing that more than 700 supporters had already donated over $44,000, bringing her close to her goal.

In a candid message, Heineman detailed how the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma has drastically affected her health, explaining that she has gone from being an active developer and tech enthusiast to facing significant physical challenges.

She shared, "I've recently become nearly bedridden due to my cancer diagnosis and am experiencing constant exhaustion." Heineman further explained that, while insurance is covering part of her medical expenses, many treatments are out-of-network, resulting in substantial bills.

"My form of cancer is aggressive, and while I am grateful for some insurance coverage, many treatments necessary for my survival are not fully covered.

This battle is daunting, but I hope to keep making games and comics if I can overcome this." The veteran developer described the onset of her illness, recounting symptoms first noticed at PAX Prime, including severe shortness of breath.

Subsequent emergency room visits revealed significant fluid buildup in her lungs, and multiple procedures, scans, and tests ultimately diagnosed cancer in both her lungs and liver.

She is set to begin chemotherapy following the installation of a chemo port on October 6, 2025. Rebecca Heineman's storied career began with her victory at the 1980 Space Invaders National Championship, an achievement that placed her firmly in gaming history.

Her programming journey started in her teens, even reverse-engineering the Atari 2600.

She joined Electronic Games as a writer before entering game development with Avalon Hill and later co-founding Interplay.

Heineman contributed to classics such as The Bard's Tale III: Thief of Fate, Dragon Wars, and Mindshadow, and she further shaped the industry with leadership roles at Logicware, Contraband Entertainment, and her current company, Olde Sküül. The gaming community is rallying around Heineman in her time of need.

Her determination to keep creating and contributing to the industry, even during this personal crisis, has inspired fans and fellow developers alike.

For those looking to support Rebecca Heineman's fight against cancer, more information and a donation link can be found on her official GoFundMe page.

All of us at Time Extension and Hookshot Media extend our deepest support to Heineman in her recovery journey.

Goal GoFundMe gaming community Rebecca Heineman Interplay Olde Sküül Avalon Hill Logicware Contraband Entertainment Electronic Games Space Invaders