Richard “Levelord” Gray, whose inventive level designs helped define Duke Nukem 3D and several other influential PC shooters, has died. He was 68.
According to Ars Technica Gray died on 12 October, with Apogee Entertainment announcing his death and fellow developers paying tribute to his work. No cause of death has been formally announced, although former colleague Joe Siegler said Gray had experienced recurring cancer.
Gray’s route into professional game development began with amateur Doom maps, demonstrating the creative possibilities of tools available to ordinary players. His work drew industry attention and eventually landed him a job at 3D Realms on Duke Nukem 3D.
His best-known joke was the hidden message “You’re Not Supposed to Be Here”, placed where players could reach it only by cheating. Even rule-breakers discovered that the level designer had arrived first.
After Duke Nukem 3D launched in 1996, Gray left 3D Realms to co-found Hipnotic Interactive, subsequently renamed Ritual Entertainment. His later credits included the Quake expansion Scourge of Armagon, SiN, Star Trek: Elite Force 2, and Counter-Strike: Condition Zero.
Those games gave Gray opportunities to develop environments that players remembered long after they had finished shooting through them. His contribution to 1990s PC gaming extended well beyond the secrets tucked outside a map.
Gears of War creator Cliff Bleszinski praised the convincing locations Gray created despite the technical limitations of early shooters. His tribute highlighted the importance of giving players a believable place to inhabit.
3D Realms founder Scott Miller described Gray as “a stellar talent”, praising his work ethic and his qualities as a colleague. Miller singled out the lasting appeal of his Duke Nukem 3D and SiN levels.
Doom co-creator John Romero remembered Gray’s kindness alongside his ability, writing, “He was called ‘Levelord’ for a reason.”
Later in his career, Gray moved into casual games, including the Luxor series, after MumboJumbo acquired Ritual Entertainment. He welcomed the change as an opportunity to explore different kinds of game design.
