British retro gaming journalist Nick Thorpe has died aged 38.

Thorpe, who most recently worked as features editor at Future-owned Retro Gamer, died on Monday, December 1. He had worked at the magazine since 2013.

His editor, Darran Jones, broke the news on social media, writing: “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that our colleague Nick Thorpe passed away on Monday.

“He was an incredibly lovely person, a talented writer and an essential part of the magazine. Our thoughts go out to all his friends and family at this difficult time. Rest in peace, friend.”

Dozens of journalists and game developers from around the world joined Thorpe’s colleagues in sharing their sadness at his unexpected death.

In a touching tribute on Time Extension, veteran journalist and co-owner of Hookshot Media, Damien McFerran, wrote: “The world of video games journalism is undeniably poorer for his passing.”