Robert Krakoff, Razer co-founder and inventor of the gaming mouse, dies

One of the most influential names in the gaming accessory industry, Robert “Razerguy” Krakoff passed away last week at the age of 81. One of the founders of Razer and a former president of the company, he helped define what consumers expect from gaming mice and other accessories.

In 1999, Krakoff released the first gaming mouse known to the world as: the Razer Boomslang. Sold in two models, one for $69.99 and the other for $99.99 (a fortune at the time), the device drew attention for its generously sized buttons and striking design relative to products of the time.

With a maximum sensitivity of 2000 dpi, the product was distinguished by software-programmable buttons and was quickly adopted by the professional gaming community. Among those who helped promote the Boomsland mouse was Johnathan “Fatal1ty” Wendel, great player of Quake III Arena, Unreal Tournament 2003, and Painkiller, who even signed an endorsement deal with Razer.

Inventor del Mouse Gamer

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.

Thank you Rob, you will be missed. pic.twitter.com/2HKNcFaOj2

– R Λ Z Ξ R (@Razer) April 28, 2022

Razer was created by a marketing agency

While Boomslang was launched in 1999, Razer as a sole proprietorship emerged in 2005, when Krakoff teamed up with current CEO Min-Liang Tan. The first gaming mouse had its design, visual identity and logo created by advertising agency Fitch , who worked for Kärna, a company for which Krakoff worked until 2001, when he declared bankruptcy.

Krakoff was also credited as one of the creators of the product, becoming the main public face of Razer. in its first years of operation. All the brand’s devices were accompanied by a message signed by him (introducing himself as Razerguy), and the professional also spent his time answering emails sent to the company and giving interviews to as many journalists as possible.

A legend in the world of video games for PC.