Rare, the developer studio behind the swashbuckling action-adventure game Sea of Thieves, is paying tribute to one of its employees who tragically passed away with an in-game commemoration, “The Legend of Glitterbeard.” James “Jim” White, an apprentice data analyst at Rare described by his contemporaries as “exceptionally bright and friendly,” and always focused on the players of Sea of Thieves, died in March of last year.
White, who had just been starting out his career in the gaming industry when he was hired on at Rare, was nonetheless instrumental in the development of Sea of Thieves, a multiplayer action-adventure game in which players take up the role of pirates and can cooperate with each other or go head-to-head in the game’s massive open world. White was the first apprentice to be hired on in Rare’s history, and was described by his coworkers as a “gentle giant, with a warm hearty laugh, down-to-earth demeanor and an epic beard that would make even the greatest pirate glow with pride.” White’s sudden passing coincided with the beginning of nationwide lockdowns as the COVID-19 pandemic surged worldwide, and compounded an already difficult year for the rest of the world into one of significant personal tragedy at Rare.
The anniversary of White’s untimely death coincides with the third anniversary of the game’s release, as well as the end of its first season, so in tribute to White, Rare has announced on its official site that the latest content update would feature a new storyline, “The Legend of Glitterbeard.” The one-off story features an effigy of White as the titular pirate, complete with glittery beard, and tasks players with finding the chronicles he’s left behind.
“We’ve shaped this one-off storyline in memory of someone we miss, placing him in the world forever as the larger-than-life Glitterbeard, selfless guide to the players who follow in his wake. Should you discover the scattered chronicles of his adventures, they – and the huge heart behind them – are something we hope you enjoy sharing with friends, family, crewmates and other voyagers you meet on the seas.”
A post made by White’s father on Twitter, along with a picture of Jim resplendent in his glittery beard, gives further context behind the name, and gives the world a glimpse of a wonderful human being that it’s a little darker for having lost.
While 2020 was undoubtedly one of the most difficult years in recent memory, the pain of losing a loved one is a tragedy that cannot be overstated. Rare’s effort to immortalize White in Sea of Thieves is a fitting tribute to a man who was passionately dedicated to the game and to his work at Rare, and reflects his helpfulness and larger-than-life personality. Players who participate in “The Legend of Glitterbeard” will be rewarded with Glitterbeard’s sails, which glow in the dark, but more importantly, they’ll have a chance to get to know James White, even if in only a small way, and the poignancy of his untimely passing.
“The Legend of Glitterbeard” is a part of Sea of Thieves’ Gold and Glory weekend event, which is currently in action. Sea of Thieves is currently available on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
