A game industry legend, Rebecca Heineman, has passed away due to cancer on November 17, 2025. She was 62 years old. Friends of Heineman have mourned her across social media.
Heineman had a prolific career in the game industry that included both game design and high-level competitive play. She won multiple Atari 2600 Space Invaders tournament, including the Atari VCS Space Invaders National Championship held in New York. She became the first national video game tournament champion in the United States.
“I had two strategies. One was “slow and steady”, which won the L.A. tournament, and the other was “kill everything on the screen ASAP,” which won me the NYC finals,” she said in a 2006 interview. “In the finals, I took an hour and 45 minutes to get the highest score. I lost one or two bases because my strategy was riskier, but faster. It paid off and I won.”
I’m sorry to hear about the passing of Rebecca Heineman. Her contributions to the gaming industry have left a lasting impact, and she will be remembered fondly by many. It’s a great loss for the community.
It’s truly a loss for the gaming community. Rebecca’s innovative work not only shaped early gaming but also inspired countless designers today. Her legacy will continue to influence the industry for years to come.