Veteran game developer Rebecca “Burger Becky” Heineman passed away on Monday in Rockwall, Texas, at age 62. She had been battling adenocarcinoma. Her son confirmed her passing, and her GoFundMe page will now help cover funeral expenses.
Born in October 1963 in Whittier, California, Heineman first gained national recognition at 16 by winning the Atari 2600 Space Invaders championship. This victory marked the beginning of a remarkable four-decade career with over 67 credited games.
She co-founded Interplay Productions, the company behind iconic games like Fallout, Wasteland, and Baldur’s Gate. At Interplay, she worked on titles such as The Bard’s Tale III and Dragon Wars. Heineman also led development on ports for major games, including Wolfenstein 3D and Doom for 3DO, which she famously completed under tight deadlines.
After her time at Interplay, she founded Logicware and Contraband Entertainment, continued contributing to significant projects, and later launched the studio Olde Sküül with her wife and partner, Jennell Jaquays, in 2013.
Heineman came out as transgender in 2003 and became a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in gaming. She served on GLAAD’s board and was honored with the Gayming Icon Award in 2024.
In October 2025, she was diagnosed with cancer. In her final message, she expressed the desire for a farewell worthy of both her legacy and her late wife Jennell, who passed away earlier in the year. Rebecca died surrounded by loved ones, including her children, niece, and grandson.
She is remembered not only for her technical genius but also for her mentorship, kindness, and advocacy. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations in gaming and beyond.
