Total War Rome 2 Fan Immortalized In Game Before Losing His Battle With Cancer

Creative Assembly learned today that after a long battle with cancer, their friend James, a 24-year old gamer and Total War fan, has died.

Through the actions of The Willow Foundation, a UK charity that tries to give "life-enhancing special days" for those afflicted by serious illnesses, James became the first person outside of the studio to play Total War: Rome II last summer. And while he did not live long enough to see the official release of the game, the Creative Assembly team decided to immortalize his memory in their work.

James's likeness will appear in the upcoming game as a Roman soldier, as a way to honor the life of the team's friend and fan. You can read an excerpt of Total War Community Manager Craig Laycock's message below, or view the blog post in its entirety here.

"Every now and then, moments in life come along that change things.

Certain experiences lend perception a new aspect and a different lens through which to look at the world. We tend to get wrapped up in ourselves, in our careers, in what we're doing in the here and now, where we're going to be in five years. There's a lot we take for granted.

In July, I was introduced to a man called James. James was suffering from liver cancer, and was told he wouldn't live much longer. I'm just a few years older than James, so to hear that news was profoundly saddening.

His approach to life was an inspiration - not only to me, but to the whole studio. When I say that, you have to understand what I mean. I don't mean inspiration in the throwaway word sense. I mean a genuine inspiration - altering my perspective permanently.

The Willow Foundation - an absolutely fantastic charity - got in touch with Rob (our Brand Director) and asked if we'd mind showing James the studio, as he was a big fan of the series. We were moved, and humbled.

It so happened that the date James could come in was the day immediately after Rome II was announced. James visited the studio at a time of energy and excitement, and we were able to not only take him around the studio, but let him get hands on with the Siege of Carthage. James became the first person to play Rome II."

Total War: Rome II will be officially released at an unspecified date later this year.