Chris “Topher” Allen, who had been a multiplayer designer on Saints Row 2 at Volition, passed away on Sunday, May 11th of natural causes. He was 35.

Mr. Allen began his game industry career as a QA tester on Summoner 2 and The Punisher, and became a designer in 2005. Prior to joining Volition, Mr. Allen was a high school English teacher in Emporia, Kansas and Ankara, Turkey. He leaves behind his wife, Lesley. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Chauncey Griffith. Mr. Allen was one of 12 grandchildren, and had many close aunts and uncles.

“Chris was truly one of those people who, after seeing them, you’d think ‘I wish I was more like that guy’ and mean it”, said Chris’ colleague, James Taylor.

Many more of his teammates at Volition contributed thoughts in his memory: