Take-Two founder and eight-year CEO Ryan Brant has passed away at 49.

Brant’s passing was announced by Quattlebaum Funeral, Cremation, and Event Center in Florida on March 23rd. He is survived by both his parents, his wife Diana Tulinh Brant and four children.

Brant founded Take-Two in 1993 with $1.5 million family funding and private investment, following a stint with his father working at the magazine Interview. He acted as CEO of Take-Two until 1997, notably driving the company’s IPO that year, but resigned in the wake of an investigation by the United States Securities and Exchanges Commission. He was succeeded by Strauss Zelnick, who heads up the publishing giant to this day. 

He also oversaw the 1998 acquisition of Grand Theft Auto rights-holder BMG Entertainment, followed by the formal founding of Rockstar Games. Following his stepping down as CEO in 2001, Brant took on a non-executive position as VP of Production until his departure in 2006.

"We were saddened to learn of the passing of Ryan Brant," said a spokesperson for Take-Two.

"His vision for interactive entertainment began our company's long-standing history and we are grateful for his contributions. We extend our condolences to his family and friends."