Richard “Levelord” Gray Remembered for Duke Nukem 3D and Sin Level Design
Later in his career, Gray also worked on the Luxor series after FPS maker Ritual Entertainment was acquired by new parent company MumboJumbo.
“Certainly, from the outside looking in, it may seem kind of shocking at first,” he said of the surprising move in a 2007 interview. “But don’t forget that making games means making your dream job a reality.… Honestly?… We really enjoy doing something different than hardcore shooters, and the variety in the casual games market makes us even more passionate about it!”
Game developers remember Richard “Levelord” Gray
Tributes have poured in from friends and colleagues online since Gray’s death was announced. Scott Miller, founder of 3D Realms, called Gray “an outstanding talent” and “a tireless worker, a fun teammate, and an overall great human being.”
“His level at Duke Nukem 3D and Sin will live on forever,” Miller added.
Gears of War creator Cliff Bleszinski praised the “sense of place” Gray brought to games such as Duke Nukem 3D. “Very few 3D shooters up until then could do that,” he wrote. “We weren’t in a run-of-the-mill hallway, we were in a recognizable location. It was a miracle that we were able to do that with such early and simple technology.”
I loved the first episode of DN3D, but E2 and E3 drew me in even more with their very distinctive designs. I’m going to miss you when you’re gone, sweetheart. You were one of the best.
— John Romero (@johnromero.bsky.social), October 13, 2026, 4:12 p.m.
John Romero of id Software remembered Gray as “a great man, full of vitality, a kind soul, and an excellent level designer.”
“There’s a reason he was called ‘Level Lord,’” Romero added.
“Richard was, without a doubt, one of the kindest people I’ve ever met in the gaming industry,” said Frederick Schreiber, CEO of Slipgate Ironworks. In a tribute, Schreiber described Gray as “incredibly humble, incredibly intelligent, infinitely creative, and always a joy to be around.”
“Despite everything he accomplished and the tremendous influence his work had on my generation of game developers, he never saw himself as anything other than a genuinely good person,” Schreiber wrote.
A lasting legacy in classic FPS design
Gray’s work on Duke Nukem 3D and Sin continues to be remembered for its distinctive environments, recognizable locations, and enduring influence on game developers.
Source: arstechnica.com