Total War fan immortalized in Rome II

Not long after spending time with Creative Assembly last summer and going hands-on with an early build of Total War: Rome II, 24-year-old fan James died of liver cancer. The team at Creative Assembly will immortalize James in the game by having his likeness appear as a Roman soldier, according to the developer (via Eurogamer).

James' visit to the Creative Assembly studio in Horsham, United Kingdom was made possible through The Willow Foundation, a UK charity that aims to provide "positive and life-enhancing special days" for seriously ill people. James was accompanied by his brother during his visit.

Total War community manager Craig Laycock said that he was "devastated" when he learned of James' death. He recalled his summer visit to the studio, saying James was passionate about the Total War series and asked numerous questions that day,

"And although he won't get the chance to see Rome II released, he will live on in some small way in our game," Laycock said. "And every time I see him I'll be reminded of what a great guy he was."

Total War: Rome II launches later this year exclusively for PC.