Robert A. Altman, co-founder and CEO of video game company ZeniMax, dies

Robert A. Altman, the co-founder of video game company ZeniMax Media, which published top franchises including The Elder Scrolls and Fallout, has died.

His cause of death was not immediately clear.

Publisher Bethesda Softworks confirmed Altman's passing through a statement on Twitter.

"He was a true visionary, friend, and believer in the spirit of people and the power of what they could accomplish together," reads a portion of Bethesda's statement. "He was an extraordinary leaders, and an even better human being."

Altman co-founded the Maryland-based ZeniMax Media in 1986, ultimately becoming one of the video game industry's biggest publishers. In 2009, ZeniMax acquired id Software, famously known for creating classic games such as Doom and Wolfenstein.

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Altman was married to "Wonder Woman" star Lynda Carter. They had two children together, James Altman, 33, and Jessica Altman, 27.

"He makes me laugh," Carter said of Altman during a USA TODAY interview in 2018. "When I get into my minutia, he brings me off the edge!"

In a letter posted to Bethesda's website, James Altman recalls his father's tireless work ethic and a caring father.

"He was fiercely loyal to his friends, and had a way of connecting with people instantly," wrote James Altman. "Inspiring them, getting the best out of them, and often teaching them with his seemingly endless wisdom."

Last September, Microsoft acquired ZeniMax in a deal worth $7.5 billion. "I am incredibly saddened by the news that we have lost an industry icon, partner, and close friend Robert Altman," wrote Xbox head Phil Spencer on Twitter Thursday.

Erin Jensen contributed to this report. Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.