The Father Of The Elder Scrolls Has Died
One of the creators of The Elder Scrolls, Julian LeFay, has passed away due to cancer. He was 59.
He was a key person in the early days of Bethesda and the development of both The Elder Scrolls: Arena and The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. He also co-founded game company OnceLost Games back in 2019; they are currently making Daggerfall-inspired CRPG The Wayward Realms alongside former Bethesda veteran Ted Peterson. LeFay had to step away from his role as technical director due to his cancer worsening.
Julian LeFay got his start in Bethesda as a programmer in 1987. He was programming lead on The Elder Scrolls: Arena and Battlespire, project leader on The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall, and credited for The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard and The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind.
Here is the full eulogy from OnceLost Games:
“[Julian LeFay] was not just a colleague – he was a visionary who fundamentally shaped the gaming industry as we know it today.
Throughout his courageous battle with cancer, Julian never wavered in his passion for The Wayward Realms. Even during his illness, he continued to share his vision with our team, mentor our developers, and ensure that every aspect of the game reflected his commitment to creating something truly extraordinary. His strength, determination, and unwavering focus inspire us all.”
— OnceLost Games (@OnceLostGames) July 23, 2025
Thank you for your contributions to The Elder Scrolls universe, Julian LeFay. You will be missed!
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