GoldenEye & Perfect Dark Artist Brett Jones Passes Away

The gaming community is mourning the loss of Brett Jones, a renowned artist who played a pivotal role in the development of iconic games such as GoldenEye 007 and Perfect Dark. Brett Jones, who contributed his artistic talents to Rare from 1994 to 2002, passed away recently.

The news was shared on social media by David Doak, a designer on GoldenEye, who paid tribute to Jones, stating, “RIP Brett Jones – you absolute legend.” He also remarked, “So much of what made GE007 and PD special came from Brett’s talent and rascal humour.”

RIP Brett Jones – you absolute legend.
With your sneaky BJ gates…

— David Doak (@drdoak) July 17, 2024

During his time at Rare, Jones’s work was instrumental in shaping the visual and aesthetic aspects of GoldenEye 007. His contributions spanned character modelling, animation, background design, and the user interface. He was also a key figure in the design of Perfect Dark’s protagonist, Joanna Dark. In addition to leading motion capture efforts, Jones lent his voice to several characters and was responsible for much of the modelling and animation in the N64 classic.

Beyond his contributions to video games, Jones was known for his charitable efforts, often raising funds for organisations like the Teenage Cancer Trust.

While Jones’s legacy in the gaming world is well-celebrated, he also had a distinguished career in visual effects outside the industry. His work extended to films such as The Last Jedi and television programmes including Doctor Who. Additionally, he helped create the opening titles for the BBC’s Match of the Day and Championship Darts.

In honour of his legacy, a crowdfunding campaign is underway to exhibit Jones’s work at the Atkins Gallery in Hinckley, Leicestershire, UK. The organisers have assured that the exhibition “will go ahead whatever happens,” ensuring that Brett Jones’s remarkable contributions will continue to inspire and be remembered.