Rebecca Heineman, pioneering programmer and co-founder of Interplay Productions, has died at the age of 62.
Friends and colleagues confirmed Heineman’s death after a fundraiser launched earlier this month revealed she had been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, a form of cancer.
She was widely celebrated for her decades-long career working on numerous games, including Fallout’s spiritual predecessor, Wasteland, and Baldur’s Gate 2, and shaping some of the industry’s most influential game ports in Doom and Wolfenstein 3D.
Friends and colleagues pay tribute
Heineman first entered gaming history in 1980 after winning Atari’s national Space Invaders championship, becoming the first recognised US video game champion.
Following her death, friends and colleagues of Heineman, including fellow Interplay co-founder Brian Fargo, paid tribute.
Former Interplay alum and designer of Fallout 2, Chris Avellone, also paid tribute:
Obsidian Entertainment’s Josh Sawyer cited Heineman as being responsible for some of the most influential games of his youth:
“Rebecca was one of the founders of Interplay and programmed & designed for some of the most influential games of my youth, notably Bard’s Tale I & III and Wasteland. She will be missed.”
Heineman remained active in the industry until her death, especially as a high-profile supporter of game preservation and advocacy. Heineman was also a prominent LGBTQ+ figure, receiving the Gayming Icon Award in 2025.
