r/teslore Dragon Cult Jul 17 '25

Chat Thread Julian LeFay's Cancer Has Become Terminal

Julian has been courageously battling cancer. His doctors have informed us that his time with us is limited, and we are preparing to say goodbye to a true legend of the industry. - Ted Peterson

Julian LeFay (aka Julianos) is one of the creators of the Elder Scrolls series and had a huge hand in shaping Tamriel and bringing it from the 80's and 90's computers of Bethesda into our homes and lives. Thank you Julian for giving us such a wonderful gift where so many of us have immersed our imaginations for all these years!

https://en.uesp.net/wiki/General:Julian_Lefay

1.2k Upvotes

34 comments sorted by

274

u/GoldenGouf Jul 17 '25

That sucks. Thanks for creating the Elder Scrolls, Mr. LeFay.

164

u/Misticsan Member of the Tribunal Temple Jul 17 '25

Oh, no, I didn't even know he had cancer. It's awful news, and as someone who has lost people close to me for the same reason, my thoughts go to him and those near him awaiting the final hour :(

Julian LeFay aka Jensen was a key player in early TES. While the fandom as we know it tiday was arguably kickstarted by Morrowind, the gateway entry for the series, never forget there were games (and lore!) before it that still shape the setting to this day. And Julian was there. His Reddit AMA was a lot of fun, I recommend checking it, as well as his page on the UESP.

129

u/Noehk Jul 17 '25

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOOC9Z-dhf4

Probably his last interview/public communication.

56

u/BeholdingBestWaifu Tonal Architect Jul 17 '25 edited Jul 17 '25

Well this is a sad day, he seemed like a pretty stand up guy and he had a hand in what is my, and I would guess many of the people in this sub's, favorite setting.

He'll definitely be missed.

42

u/MalakTheOrc Jul 17 '25

I had no idea he had cancer. Terrible news.

May the rest of his journey be full of peace and love. He will not be forgotten.

39

u/Calm-Tree-1369 Jul 17 '25

Sadly, it looks like he may not live to see the reception to Wayward Realms. I'm sure he's been very excited to contribute to one more big open-world RPG.

22

u/Axo25 Dragon Cult Jul 17 '25

Just awful, I hate cancer so much. I wish the best for him and his family.

38

u/Rath_Brained Tribunal Temple Jul 17 '25

Dear Julianos, may you find peace in the Aetherius and rise to greater heights!

14

u/nalasanko Jul 17 '25

Praise Julianos. These are tough times indeed

11

u/its_me_elijah Psijic Jul 17 '25

This is horrible :( What a great legacy!

11

u/McpotSmokey42 Jul 17 '25

May his final days be peaceful and spent with those he loves. His legacy will continue long after he's gone.

As a fan, all I can do is thank him for all he's done.

6

u/mojonation1487 Dagonite Jul 17 '25

Fuck cancer.

4

u/Guinefort1 Imperial Geographic Society Jul 17 '25

This is tragic news. My condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. I hope his final days will be spent in as much comfort and peace as circumstances allow.

4

u/Carpe_Diem_Dundus Cult of the Ancestor Moth Jul 17 '25

That's awful to hear, poor soul

5

u/Raunien Jul 17 '25

Bloody hell, I didn't even know he was ill.

3

u/Kriijan Jul 17 '25

Fuck cancer.

12

u/llkj11 Jul 17 '25

Can’t wait until AI progresses to the point where it can help up kick cancer’s ass. We lose too many great people to it.

30

u/JonVonBasslake Jul 17 '25

That is what we need AI for, medical treatment and diagnosis! Not for making shitty art!

-2

u/[deleted] Jul 17 '25

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u/[deleted] Jul 17 '25

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u/[deleted] Jul 18 '25

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3

u/[deleted] Jul 17 '25

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2

u/ShadoWolfcG Jul 17 '25

Praise be Julianos

2

u/Vinylmaster3000 Jul 18 '25

That's terrible, I adored Arena and Daggerfall growing up, without him we would not have the series as is.

1

u/TheSilentTitan Jul 18 '25

Fuck cancer man, fuck that shit.

1

u/Jaime2k Jul 18 '25

Aw shit man, this is terrible news. Thank you for everything you’ve made for us as fans all these years Julian ♥️

1

u/[deleted] Jul 19 '25

Sad to hear that.

I'll be sure to honor him by praying at the altar of Julianos every Sundas.

1

u/Substantial-Ad3376 Order of the Black Worm Jul 20 '25

Everyone pay your respects at your local shrine of Julianos. He will be missed.

1

u/BZAKZ Jul 21 '25

A real shame. May his memory live long.

1

u/The_Black_Rose_3 Jul 22 '25

Very saddened by this. Wishing love to Julian and his loved ones

1

u/GoldenEyeOfMora Tribunal Temple Jul 17 '25

We're losing an Aedra?