A legendary figure in the video game industry, Rebecca Heneman passed away this week at the age of 62 after battling aggressive lung cancer.
In 1980, Heneman made a name for herself by winning a Space Invaders championship held in Los Angeles. This feat made her the first national esports champion in the United States. She went on to win the competition a second time. In 1983, she helped found Interplay Productions, contributing to the creation of iconic franchises such as Wasteland, Baldur’s Gate, and Fallout.
Throughout her career, she worked for numerous companies such as Sony, Electronic Arts, Microsoft, and Ubisoft. On Monday, November 17, on her GoFundMe page created to help cover her medical expenses, she announced the end of her treatment.
“It’s time. According to my doctors. All further treatments are pointless. So, please donate so my kids can create a funeral worthy of my keyboard, Pixelbreaker! So I can make a worthy entrance for reuniting with my one true love, Jennell Jaquays (her wife, who died in 2024).”
Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones.
I’m saddened to hear about the passing of Rebecca Heineman. Her contributions to the video game industry were truly remarkable, and she will be remembered for her pioneering spirit and impact on many gamers.