Obituary: Veteran game designer Matthew Crump

Matthew Crump, a veteran video game designer who had a hand in titles like Ultima IX: Ascension and the Spyro series, and helped run the SXSW Gaming Expo, has passed away. An Austin, Texas-based game developer for nearly two decades, Crump had designer credits on games from Electronic Arts, Acclaim Entertainment, Activision, Sierra Entertainment, THQ and more. Other games he had a hand in include Turok: Evolution and Spider-Man 2: The Game. Most recently he was a senior producer at UTV Ignition Entertainment, and a producer at Armature Studio, working on the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection for PS Vita. He was also known for helping to coordinate the video game panels at the SXSW festival since 2012. His death was confirmed this week on Facebook, and later by SXSW. "During his 18 months of service, [the SXSW Gaming] growth has only increased in velocity," said SXSW's Hugh Forrest. "Matthew was the lead organizer of the first-ever SXSW Gaming Awards, which is scheduled for Saturday evening, March 8. Yes, that show will go on as planned and will function as a celebration of his life."