Borderlands Designer Zach Ford Passes Away
Zach Ford, game designer at PUBG Madison, has passed away. Ford previously worked at Gearbox Software where he was instrumental in the creation of the Borderlands series as well as Battleborn and Aliens: Colonial Marines.
According to Ford's personal website, he shipped a total of 25 full levels, around 150 missions, and contributed to the development of eight games. Ford is credited as level/mission designer on Borderlands 1, senior level/mission designer on Borderlands 2, Borderlands 3, and Aliens: Colonial Marines, senior game designer on Battleborn, and lead level designer on Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel.
Related: The Best Borderlands Games, Ranked
Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford also revealed that Zach Ford was also the inspiration for Borderlands' Zaford Clan. "Zach was a passionate and talented designer who contributed many things to Gearbox games. Zach’s spirit lives on in the Borderlands with the Zaford clan," wrote Pitchford. "I’m devastated by the news of his passing. Aloha, Zach Ford."
Pitchford's announcement drew condolences from across the gaming sphere. "Zach brought a wealth of character and enthusiasm to everything he did," wrote J. Kyle Pittman, senior designer at Gearbox. "It was an honor to work on Borderlands together. I’ll miss you, dude."
Graeme Timmins, level designer on Borderlands 3, revealed Ford's contributions throughout the Borderlands series. "Zach played an incredible part in creating and finding the Borderlands magic we all love. He did most side missions in BL1, invented [Circle of Slaughter], many maps, combats, missions throughout the entire franchise. He was passionate, determined, talented, and more. Incredibly broke/saddened by this."
Friend and former co-worker Adam Fletcher confirmed
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