It is always a somber occasion to bring to you word of the passing of another MMORPG developer, but it is also the opportunity to celebrate that person’s life and remember their contributions to the games we love. In today’s case, we have learned that former EverQuest and Vanguard developer Mike Hutchins died due to heart failure at the age of 51.
Hutchins’ former boss at SOE, John Smedley, tweeted the sad news yesterday, adding, “Hutch was a great all-around human being and a lot of fun to work with. He will be missed!”
Said PlanetSide 2’s top dev, Andy Sites, “Aww man.. Hutch was a great – especially for a 20 year old punk kid who just got his foot in the door of game development and was trying to not blow an opportunity of a lifetime. Always had a smile on his face and a hilarious story to tell.”
“A great guy,” added SOE’s Tony Garcia. “He was a great coworker, friend, Irontoe Brigade member, and D&D adventurer. Remember him in the grand and cavernous halls of Neriak.”
I'm sad to report another member of the original Everquest team, the incredible Mike Hutchins has passed away from heart failure. Hutch was a great all around human being and a lot of fun to work with. He will be missed!!!
— John Smedley (@j_smedley) May 4, 2020