Summary
The prolific art director Viktor Antonov, most notably known for his work and influence onHalf-Life 2andDishonored, has passed away. The Bulgarian-born artist worked in the film and video games industry during his career and even wrote and designed the graphic novelThe Colony: A Structure Celebrating the Triumphs of Technology, featuring the epic story of Gabriel Duban who strives to uncover the truth of a lost city, set in an empire before space-travel dulled the enchantment of Earth-based adventures.
Antonov had a huge influence over the appearance ofHalf-Life 2, which belongs to one of the most well-respected series in video games history. The sequel spawned two episodes, released in 2006 and 2007, preceding the latest entry,Half-Life: Alyx, in 2020. Possibly continuing the franchise for modern gamers,Half-Life 3rumors are piling up in 2025, thanks toHalf-Life 2’s November 2024 documentary to celebrate the IP’s 20th anniversary, which touched on early iterations of a third entry, despite being at the mercy of outlandish theories and hoaxes over the years.
Reported by former colleagues on social media, it was announced on Jul 31, 2025, that Antonov had passed away. The artist debuted in his video games career as a map painter onRedneck Rampagein 2007 before embarking on a myriad of other games, including his work as an art director onHalf-Life 2, considered to be one ofthe best FPS games on the PlayStation 2 console. Antonov also worked on the visual design ofThe Elder Scrolls: Legends - Heroes of Skyrim, as an additional art director onWolfenstein: The New Order, and served as a consultant onFallout 4,DOOM, andPrey.
Half-Life 2 and Dishonored Artist Viktor Antonov Passes Away
Anarchivist leaked a bunch of concept art from canceled games includingHalf-Life 2: Episode 3a couple of years ago, which may have involved Antonov’s work being the game’s art director at the time. However, the artist was a key developer in the base game andHalf-Life 2: Lost Coast, and former Valve colleague, Marc Laidlaw,paid tribute to Antonov on Instagram, saying, “I don’t have details. Just sadness. Brilliant and original. Made everything better.” Arkane Studios founder Raphael Colantonio also posted a sentiment for Antonov on Twitter, sharing, “You were instrumental to the success of Arkane Studios and an inspiration to many of us, also a friend with whom I have many fond memories.”
After his time working with Valve onHalf-Life 2, Antonov moved to Arkane Studios to work on the action-adventureDishonored, thought to be one ofthe best stealth games for newcomers to the genre, as a visual designer. The artist also worked on the game’s DLC,Dunwall City Trials, and his legacy is profoundly felt throughout the industry and its community, after leaving his mark on some of the best games ever released.
