Creative Assembly hosts memorial game jam for team member

UK studio Creative Assembly is hosting a game jam this weekend in honour of Simon Franco, a member of the team that passed away earlier this year.

Franco was a senior programmer on Alien Isolation, and worked on multiple Total War games during his 10 years at the Surrey studio.

This weekend, small teams of Creative Assembly staff will compete to create a whole game in two days, with proceeds raised and donations going to Royal Surrey County Hospital, which cared for Franco.

The judges panel for the contest will consist of Franco’s friends and family, plus Sprungdigi ambassador Darius.

A live steam will run throughout the event, which will also include a charity auction of Steam keys and signed goodies from Creative Assembly’s various games.

"Simon Franco was a dear friend and colleague to many here at CA," the studio wrote on its blog.

"Simon was a big Magic the Gathering enthusiast, with a passion for creating retro games in his spare time, as well as being a dedicated father who sadly didn’t get to meet his youngest daughter before he passed. He was positive, kind and always had a time for anyone that asked for it.

"We were all deeply saddened by his sudden passing earlier this year and to commemorate his life, work and passion for retro gaming, we’re hosting a weekend-long GameJam in his honour."

Creative Assembly is also inviting people to donate to their cause by clicking here.