Viktor Antonov, Visionary Artist Behind Half-Life 2 and Dishonored, Dies at 52

The Bulgarian art director shaped iconic game worlds like City 17 and Dunwall, leaving a lasting legacy in the gaming industry.

Viktor Antonov, known for his groundbreaking work on Half-Life 2 and Dishonored, has passed away at the age of 52, as confirmed by former colleagues.
Born in Bulgaria, Antonov began his career in the late 1990s, later creating the iconic visual identity of Half-Life 2's City 17 and the Combine Citadel.
He joined Arkane Studios following his time at Valve, where he played a pivotal role in designing the dystopian world of Dishonored's Dunwall.
Antonov also consulted on major titles like Fallout 4, Doom (2016), and Prey, and co-founded Eschatology Entertainment in 2022 to develop a still-unannounced project.
Tributes from industry peers highlight his immense talent, wit, and influence on modern game design, as well as the personal impact he had on colleagues and friends.