Sega’s Brian Ayers dies ‘after short illness’

Brian Ayers of Sega Europe has died at the age of 42.

His colleague, Ryan King, announced the news on Twitter earlier today and linked to a crowdfunding campaign which confirmed that Ayers died yesterday, September 23, “after a short illness”.

“Devastated to have lost @Kaaaaneda who truly was the best of us – warm, funny, brilliant, a huge loss to all of us,” King tweeted. “Games industry, please share this link far and wide xxx”

Ayers – who had also worked at Konami, Capcom and Paradox before joining Sega – was a well-known, well-loved and deeply respected member of the UK games industry.

A Just Giving campaign, set up to help his partner and parents with “the considerable costs of a funeral”, says: “Brian James Ayers died on September 23 at the age of 42 after a short illness.

“He was a much loved son, brother, partner, friend and colleague.”

There’s a Just Giving page to help Ayers’ family and partner here.