Razer co-founder and champion of the gaming mouse Robert 'RazerGuy' Krakoff has died

Razer co-founder Robert Krakoff, known as RazerGuy across the internet, has died at the age of 81, reports the company. He died April 26, 2022.

Krakoff was a key player in bringing the first dedicated gaming mouse, what would later become the Razer Boomslang, to market. When the first company making the Boomslang went bankrupt he co-founded Razer alongside current CEO Min-Lian Tan in 2005.

"We are saddened by the passing of Co-Founder and President Emeritus, Robert Krakoff, known by everyone as RazerGuy. Robert’s unwavering drive and passion for gaming lives on and continues to inspire all of us," said Razer in a Tweet and a statement on its site.

RazerGuy was known broadly among the community as a kind and approachable person, one who took players, enthusiasts, and professionals seriously no matter their level of fame. Early Razer products included a message from RazerGuy alongside his email address—razerguy@razerzone—soliciting direct feedback.  

Since RazerGuy's death was reported last week the internet has filled with testimonials to his character. Jerry Paxton at GamingShogun noted how Krakoff took a chance on him as a young enthusiast who had just started his site, "After so many rejected us, and more would just not talk to us, I got a personal email back from Robert 'RazerGuy' Krakoff himself." Red Bull's senior director of esports, Travis Wannlund, posted a story that credited Krakoff with his whole career.

Krakoff led a long and interesting life outside of gaming. He was a professional football player with the Los Angeles Rams in the 1960s, evangelized the benefits of fitness, and later ran a brand of health supplements and energy drinks. He also published a dozen books in his later years, writing under the name RM Krakoff. He's survived by his wife, two children, and five grandchildren.

Here's Krakoff in a 2002 ad promoting the Boomslang. "We've designed the Razer mouse to meet the specific needs of the hardcore gamer," says Krakoff. Thanks for all of it, Razerguy.