Game developer Rebecca Heinemann has died after suffering from cancer last month. The news was shared to Bluesky by Heineman’s friend, Heidi MacDonald, while the most recent post on Heineman’s GoFundMe is a goodbye message stating that her health was rapidly deteriorating, and that she was entering palliative care. Heineman was 62, and the GoFundMe will remain live to help her family make final arrangements.
Born in 1963, Henman initially made his mark in the industry by winning a national Space Invaders tournament in New York in 1980, becoming the first formally recognized American champion of any video game. According to MobiGames, he was credited with appearing in 67 games in a far-reaching career.
Rebecca Heinemann has sadly passed away. I’ve known her since the 80’s when I used to take her to work, she was one of the most brilliant programmers. I felt really bad this morning when he messaged me: “We’ve been on so many adventures together! But, into the great unknown! I go first!!!” 🙁 pic.twitter.com/lu3i0fyt5C17 November 2025
Heineman came out publicly as transgender in the 2000s and is married to fellow sports industry veteran Janelle Jacques. Heineman was the recipient of Gaming’s 2025 Gaming Icon Award, with the site writing that “his advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion, accessibility, and diversity in tech has inspired countless developers and players.”
Jacquez died in January 2024 of complications from Guillain-Barré syndrome, and Heinemann was blindsided by an aggressive cancer diagnosis the previous month. To help with the cost of treatment he turned to GoFundMe, where fans, friends and industry colleagues came together to support the developer.
Heinemann shared a message last night that his health was rapidly declining.
“It’s time. According to my doctors. All further treatment is futile,” Heineman wrote. “So, please donate so my kids can have a funeral worthy of my keyboard, Pixelbreaker! So I can make a worthy entrance to reunite with my true love, Janelle Jacques.”
Game developers have begun sharing their condolences and memories following Heinemann’s death.
Rebecca was one of the founders of Interplay and programmed and designed some of the most influential games of my youth, notably Bard’s Tale I and III and Wasteland. Will miss him.
– @jesawyer.bsky.social (@jesawyer.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2025-11-18T00:17:03.191Z
Rebecca Heineman (@burgerbecky), a stalwart of the games industry, died a few minutes ago, walking away from aggressive lung cancer. He recently oversaw the porting of Wizarddom to Mac OS for Apogee. My local friends would often have dinner with him and I loved his industry stories and…17 November 2025
What a wonderful person she was, and how remarkable it was to know that she was astounded by her own praises. Rest in peace, Rebecca. Thanks for everything.
– @ramiismail.com (@ramiismail.com.bsky.social) 2025-11-18T00:15:53.662Z
Rebecca was in my life because she reached out to me as a stranger, because she sensed a retrenchment that affected me. His achievements were great, and his kindness was also great.
– @jyoungman.bsky.social (@jyoungman.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2025-11-18T00:15:53.699Z
Rest well, you great man, you pioneer, you wonderful soul. I am fortunate to have known you, even if briefly. Please share Heidi’s legacy by reposting her message.
– @caseymongello.bsky.social (@caseymongello.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2025-11-18T00:15:53.712Z
Rebecca took the time to chat with a teenage and gender-confused me on IRC about the practicalities of transition in the early 2000s – at a time when being out as trans online was something that could get you socially ostracized. I am very grateful to him for this and hope that I can pay it forward.
– @moomanibe.bsky.social (@moomanibe.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2025-11-18T00:15:53.675Z