Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has died

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Allen died of complications from non-Hodgkins lymphoma at the age of 65.

Paul Allen, who co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates in 1975, has died as a result of complications from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He was 65. 

"My brother was a remarkable individual on every level. While most knew Paul Allen as a technologist and  philanthropist, for us he was a much loved brother and uncle, and an exceptional friend," Allen's sister, Jody Allen, said in a statement.

"Paul’s family and friends were blessed to  experience his wit, warmth, his generosity and deep concern. For all the  demands on his schedule, there was always time for family and friends.  At this time of loss and grief for us—and so many others—we are  profoundly grateful for the care and concern he demonstrated every  day."

Microsoft released a statement in the wake of his passing, calling Allen's contributions to the company, industry, and community "indispensable." Apple CEO Tim Cook paid tribute to Allen as a "pioneer" and "force for good," while Google CEO Sundar Pichai expressed thanks to Allen for his "immense contributions to the world through your work and your philanthropy."

Allen left Microsoft in 1983 following a diagnosis for Hodgkin's lymphoma, although he remained on the board of directors until 2000. Despite leaving the company during its relatively early days, he was extraordinarily wealthy, with an estimated net worth in excess of $20 billion. He founded the privately held company Vulcan in 1986 to oversee his business and philanthropic efforts; he was also the owner of the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers and the Seattle Seahawks football team, both of which paid tribute to Allen on social media.

Andy Chalk
Andy Chalk
US News Lead

Andy has been gaming on PCs from the very beginning, starting as a youngster with text adventures and primitive action games on a cassette-based TRS80. From there he graduated to the glory days of Sierra Online adventures and Microprose sims, ran a local BBS, learned how to build PCs, and developed a longstanding love of RPGs, immersive sims, and shooters. He began writing videogame news in 2007 for The Escapist and somehow managed to avoid getting fired until 2014, when he joined the storied ranks of PC Gamer. He covers all aspects of the industry, from new game announcements and patch notes to legal disputes, Twitch beefs, esports, and Henry Cavill. Lots of Henry Cavill.