Team17 Co-Founder Martyn Brown Passes Away: Remembering a British Video Game Pioneer

Martyn Brown, Influential Team17 Co-Founder and British Video Game Pioneer, Dies at 57 The global gaming community is mourning the loss of Martyn Brown, a co-founder of the renowned British studio Team17, who has passed away at the age of 57.

Brown was a pivotal force in the evolution of the UK games industry, shaping the direction of team-based game development and contributing to some of the most beloved classics in European gaming history. Brown’s journey in the world of interactive entertainment began in 1990, when 17-Bit Software merged with Swedish developer Team 7.

This union laid the foundation for what would become Team17, a company that Brown led alongside industry figures such as Michael Robinson, Debbie Bestwick, Andreas Tadic, Rico Holmes, and Peter Tuleby.

Under Brown's leadership, Team17 flourished, developing a series of successful titles for the Amiga platform, including Alien Breed, Body Blows, Superfrog, and Project X.

Among these, the Worms franchise emerged as Team17's most iconic intellectual property, captivating a generation of gamers with its unique blend of strategy and humor. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Brown steered Team17 through an era of rapid innovation and expansion, cementing the studio's reputation as an industry powerhouse.

He played a direct role in shaping gameplay experiences that resonated deeply with players on both the Amiga and subsequent platforms, influencing everything from design philosophy to publishing strategy. Following a management buyout of Team17 in 2010, Debbie Bestwick took over as the sole manager of the company.

Brown departed Team17 in 2011, subsequently taking on new challenges with studios such as Double Eleven.

His career showcased a rare combination of creative vision and managerial acumen, earning him widespread respect among developers and fans alike. Earlier this year, Brown shared insights on the state of the games business in a candid LinkedIn post, describing difficult industry conditions marked by reduced optimism and funding.

His words reflected the broader challenges facing developers worldwide, emphasizing the impact of shifting market dynamics on the global gaming landscape.

In recognition of his lasting contributions, Brown was honored with the Games Legend award at the Games Republic Awards in November, although he was unable to attend the ceremony. As the gaming world pays tribute to Martyn Brown’s remarkable legacy, colleagues, friends, and players celebrate his indelible mark on game development.

His work with Team17, from launching fan-favorite series like Worms to supporting innovation across platforms, established a standard of excellence that continues to inspire both established studios and emerging talent. The thoughts of the gaming industry are with Martyn Brown’s family, friends, and colleagues during this time of remembrance.

Team17 Worms Alien game development