In a somber turn of events, a beloved figure, Dave Hunt, commonly known online as Dav0r, has passed away. PC Gamer reports that Dav0r’s friends confirmed his untimely death at the age of 35, the cause of which remains undisclosed.
While Dav0r might not have been a household name among the broader gaming community, his impact, particularly in a space as tightknit as modding, was undeniable. Among his most significant contributions was the creating Garry’s Mod toolgun. This innovative design comprised a revolver equipped with an LCD screen and ribbon cable. It functions as a multifaceted tool in Facepunch’s sandbox Source engine mod, enabling users to perform a range of activities such as welding objects and attaching ropes. It cleverly parodied the gaming trope of resorting to firearms to resolve challenges and preceded innovative gaming tools such as the portal gun from “Portal” and many modern VR controllers.
Interestingly, this iconic tool was Dav0r’s brainchild when he was just a teenager. His creation journey started in 2004 as he started playing Garry’s Mod, which got its standalone release in 2006, published by Valve.
Reflecting on his bond with Dav0r, Garry Newman, the eponymous creator of Garry’s Mod and founder of Facepunch Studios, described his two-decade acquaintance with the modder. Newman’s remarks about Dav0r highlight the latter’s jovial nature, recounting how Dav0r always approached things with a lighthearted spirit. Newman candidly shared his initial disbelief upon hearing the tragic news, pondering if it could be one of Dav0r’s humorous antics.
Dav0r’s legacy extends beyond just the toolgun. He actively contributed to the Facepunch community, known for his distinct sense of humor. His friend and former Facepunch community manager, Hezzy, commemorated Dav0r and his significant imprint on the community, emphasizing his inimitable legacy that will always be remembered. Hezzy also mentioned Dav0r’s work on another Facepunch project, “Jabroni Brawl 3”, where he designed multiple 3D models.
Dav0r’s toolgun, over the years, has become an integral component of Garry’s Mod. Its ingenuity lies in its design – a revolver with a screen and rotating wires. The screen facilitates access to multiple functionalities of the toolgun, from welding to roping. This creation not only solidified Dav0r’s reputation in the Facepunch community but also left an indelible mark in the broader gaming realm.
Garry’s Mod, launched in 2006, stands out as a defining moment in the sandbox gaming genre. With its emphasis on creativity and customization, players can craft a plethora of tools and weapons, with the Tool Gun being one of many standout features. Given Dav0r’s monumental contribution to this space, the community remains in mourning.
In tribute to his legacy, a memorial has been organized, inviting those familiar with Dav0r to share their memories and experiences.
The gaming industry has lost so much this year alone. Earlier this year, Lance Reddick, an avid gamer who had roles in Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West as well as Destiny 2, was found dead in his LA apartment.
