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- Posted
- Apr 2, 2026, 2:55 PM
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- Madison, Wisconsin
- Caption
- After more than 36 years at the helm of Raven Software, Brian Raffel has decided to step into a well-earned retirement.
In 1990, inspired by a shared love of storytelling, Brian and his brother Steve set out to build something of their own. What began as a small creative pursuit known as Black Crypt grew into something far, far greater. Over the years, his leadership guided our studio through a wild and shifting industry, shaping it into what it is today.
From dark, otherworldly realms to places that reached far across galaxies, Brian has crafted stories that have left a lasting mark on players around the world. His work spans titles like Hexen, Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy, X-Men Legends, Wolfenstein, and many more, each contributing to a legacy of iconic experiences. Those first decades of achievements earned Raven a place among the greats and the trust to shape and evolve Call of Duty over the years.
Beyond great games, Brian’s legacy is also reflected in how he has invested in the people and places around him. His commitment to building games out of Madison, Wisconsin, has grown his home city into a strong hub for game developers and studios. Under his wing, Raven’s doors have remained open to the next generation of developers, offering a firsthand glimpse into what is possible. As a proud alumnus, his connection to the University of Wisconsin has benefited students pursuing careers in art, design, and technology. Through it all, Brian has remained loyal, humble, and true to himself.
Brian, thank you for the stories, for the path you carved, and for the lives you've changed along the way. The impact you have had is timeless, and we wish you all the best in this next chapter.
Our Legacy Games: https://www.ravensoftware.com/our-games#legacy
