According to foreign outlet Eurogamer, Victor Antonov—renowned art director of Half‑Life 2 and the designer behind Dishonored—has passed away at the age of 52.
Marc Laidlaw, the former head writer of the Half‑Life series, confirmed the news on social media.
Born in Bulgaria and later moving to Paris, Antonov was 17 when he first entered the gaming industry. Over the years he contributed to many celebrated titles, including Half‑Life 2, Counter‑Strike: Source, Half‑Life 2: Lost Coast, Dishonored, Dishonored 2, Return to Castle Wolfenstein, Fallout 4, Doom, and Predator.
After leaving Valve for Arkane Studios, Antonov told Eurogamer’s reporter Bertie that while Valve was a solid company, he was more passionate about projects than the corporation itself. He joined Valve solely to work on Half‑Life 2, and moved to Arkane to create The Crossing and Dishonored, placing game projects above all else.
Arkane Studios founder Raphael Colantonio also confirmed the news on X (formerly Twitter).
Fans praised Antonov as a visionary who helped shape the iconic aesthetics of two of the greatest games ever made. They paid tribute with the words, "Rest in peace, king."
