A Total War: Rome 2 fan was sadly diagnosed with terminal liver cancer, and thanks to the charity Willow, he was able to visit Creative Assembly and play Total War: Rome 2 before anyone else. Willow arranges what they call Special Days, which are similar to the special days coordinated by the Make A Wish Foundation.
This hardcore fan got more than just being able to play Total War: Rome 2; he got to meet the development team, he put in his own suggestions for the game (he saw the game soon after it was announced last July), and Creative Assembly even designed a character after his likeness.
Shortly after his dream visit to the studio, he passed away. However, at the very least, he will live on as a Roman soldier in the game.
"When I recently learned that James had died," Total War community manager, Craig Laycock, said, "it was devastating. Even though I had only spent a few hours in his company, it was absolutely devastating, because he was able to show us all here in the studio how passionate he was for our games.
"And although he won't get the chance to see Rome 2 released," he added, "he will live on in some small way in our game – and every time I see him I'll be reminded of what a great guy he was.
"In many ways, James represented what's best about working in video games: crafting games that people enjoy and that stay with them. It's why we all do what we do, and why we're so passionate about it. He really brought that home to us."
Total War: Rome 2 is slated to come out later this year, but no specific release date has been set.
[Source]
