Julian LeFay, widely recognized as the “father of The Elder Scrolls,” has passed away at the age of 59 following a courageous battle with cancer. OnceLost Games, the studio he co-founded, confirmed his death, describing it as “an immeasurable loss for our team, our community, and the entire industry.”
According to CEO Ted Peterson, LeFay stepped away from work just a week before his passing, choosing to spend his final days surrounded by family. Despite his illness, he remained actively involved in development, continuing to guide the team, mentor young professionals, and shape The Wayward Realms in line with his unique design philosophy and creative ambitions.
LeFay was a pivotal figure in the creation of The Elder Scrolls: Arena and Daggerfall—two titles that laid the groundwork for one of the most influential franchises in gaming history. His contribution to the series was so significant that the in-game deity Julianos was named in his honor. In 2019, LeFay joined forces with former Bethesda colleagues Ted Peterson and Vijay Lakshman to establish OnceLost Games, announcing their ambitious new RPG, The Wayward Realms, in 2021.
OnceLost Games affirmed that development on the game will continue in LeFay`s memory, with the team dedicated to realizing his vision. The statement emphasized: “Julian`s influence extends far beyond our studio. He touched the lives of millions of players worldwide and inspired countless developers to push creative boundaries. His legacy will live on in every realm, every quest, and every wondrous moment players experience in The Wayward Realms.”