The virtual skies feel heavy today as the community mourns the loss of a flight simulator pioneer.
Legendary producer Matt 'Wags' Wagner has passed away at the age of 57 on September 7, following a struggle with myelofibrosis, as announced today in a newsletter.
Wags spent most of his career as the Senior Producer for Eagle Dynamics, developer of the study-level flight simulation sandbox DCS World. His diagnosis became public in June this year, triggering an outpouring of community support that culminated in the project 'Operation Wags'.
Creators, developers, and community members rallied to raise $151,178 through a GoFundMe. Organizer Patrick Snyder of High Alpha Studios reported the funds raised "will continue to support Matt's family through this heartbreaking time, helping relieve some of the financial burdens that come with his passing."
From the CIA to the Flight Sim Pantheon
Matt Wagner was born on November 10, 1968. Following a serious spinal injury while pole vaulting in 1986, Wags made his way into the Central Intelligence Agency as a military analyst.
Unlike Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, however, Wagner left the CIA to build what would become one of the most celebrated legacies in the flight simulator industry.
Wags joined...
