Legends of the C64, Atari & Amiga scene

Martyn Brown, a co-founder of @Team17 who brought us franchises such as Alien Breed and Worms has sadly passed away. Far too young.
RIP Martyn.
Remembering Martyn Brown: The Visionary Behind Team17’s Amiga Legacy.

Martyn Brown, co-founder of Team17 and a pioneering force in British gaming history, left an indelible mark on the video game industry, particularly during the golden age of Amiga gaming. His passion for excellence and creative vision helped transform a small Yorkshire-based company into one of the UK’s most respected game developers and publishers.
In the late 1980s, Brown’s journey in the gaming industry began with his involvement in the Amiga demo scene, where he worked under the label 17-Bit Software. This foundation would eventually evolve into Team17, established in 1990, marking the beginning of an extraordinary chapter in gaming history.
Under Brown’s leadership, Team17 became synonymous with quality Amiga gaming. The company’s early years saw the creation of numerous iconic titles that pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the Amiga platform. Full Contact, Miami Chase, and Alien Breed demonstrated Team17’s technical prowess and commitment to delivering engaging gaming experiences.
Perhaps most notably, Brown’s stewardship led to the creation of the beloved Worms franchise. What began as a simple concept from Andy Davidson would, under Team17’s guidance, evolve into a global phenomenon that continues to delight players today. The success of Worms on the Amiga platform showcased Brown’s ability to recognize and nurture creative talent.

Beyond the games themselves, Brown’s influence on the Amiga scene was profound. He fostered a company culture that emphasized both technical excellence and creative freedom. Team17’s games were known for their polished presentation, attention to detail, and distinctive visual style. Titles like Project-X, Body Blows, and Superfrog exemplified this commitment to quality.
His leadership style was marked by a deep understanding of both the technical and creative aspects of game development. Brown had an exceptional ability to bridge the gap between creative vision and commercial success, all while maintaining Team17’s reputation for quality. The company’s success during the Amiga era wasn’t just about creating games; it was about creating experiences that would be remembered for generations.
The impact of Brown’s work extended beyond individual games. He helped establish Yorkshire as a hub for game development talent, creating opportunities for countless developers, artists, and programmers. Many professionals who started their careers at Team17 under his guidance went on to make significant contributions to the wider gaming industry.
During the Amiga years, Brown’s Team17 was notable for its commitment to pushing technical boundaries. Games like Alien Breed 3D demonstrated the company’s willingness to tackle ambitious projects, even as the platform faced increasing competition from more powerful systems. This dedication to innovation became a hallmark of Team17’s approach to game development.

Brown’s legacy in the Amiga scene is not just about the games that were created, but about the standards he helped establish. Team17’s productions were known for their exceptional quality, memorable soundtracks, and engaging gameplay. This commitment to excellence influenced many other developers and helped elevate the overall quality of Amiga gaming.
As we remember Martyn Brown’s contributions to the Amiga community and the gaming industry at large, we celebrate a visionary who understood that great games come from a combination of technical excellence, creative freedom, and unwavering dedication to quality. His work with Team17 during the Amiga era stands as a testament to these principles, creating a legacy that continues to inspire game developers today.
The games created under his leadership remain beloved classics, played and remembered by countless enthusiasts worldwide. More than just entertainment, they represent a crucial chapter in gaming history, showcasing what was possible when passion, talent, and vision came together during the golden age of Amiga gaming.

Martyn Brown’s influence on the gaming industry, particularly through his work with Team17 and the Amiga platform, will be remembered as a shining example of how leadership, creativity, and technical excellence can come together to create something truly extraordinary. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the games he helped create, and the industry he helped shape.
My condolences go out to Team17 members and all his friends and colleagues. We promise to keep your legacy on our page forever, and we will never forget you. 💙💙💙

Martyn Brown helped create the legendary Team17, and had a hand in making some truly classic titles such as Alien Breed, Superfrog, Body Blows and Worms. Get a real inside view of how this celebrated video game company rose to the top during the ’90s in this lovely podcast interview.
Martyn reflects on Team17’s rise during Amiga’s glory years and how they aimed to created games that not only looked great, but filled a gap in the market. He also reflects on Team17 today, the NFT controversy and the love/hate relationship with Worms.  
Martyn also shares a great story of how an ambitious cricket game was never released after the programmer disappeared, never to be seen again!

Here you can hear Interview with Martyn Brown on The Making of Worms, Alien Breed & SuperFrog – Martyn Brown (Team17) –
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-making-of-worms-alien-breed-superfrog-martyn/id1174983594?i=1000564787363

Rest in Peace Martyn Brown