If you’re a gamer then there is no doubt you’ve heard the news floating about the online regarding Stephen Toulouse (aka – Stepto). Information is light, but from what we can gather he has fallen into a coma and is currently in hospital. All indications are that he has made some positive progress as he has been responding to his family’s voices and some commands, but he still has a ways to go before he’s out of critical condition.
Most people know Stepto from his days at Microsoft and Xbox LIVE where he worked for over 17 years, but he has continued to work within the gaming and entertainment industry with such companies as GAEMS, HBO, and of course a recent stint at Black Tusk Studios (now called The Coalition) handling community engagement for the upcoming Gears of War on the Xbox One before stepping away from that. He has presented at many panels during many “Cons” and has provided many people with guidance and ideas in the gaming industry. Regardless of his history, he is well known by gamers and gaming professionals everywhere.
Gaming communities are amazing, and given how wide and how far Stepto’s touch has been throughout such, many have reached out to help in any way. Currently there is a crowd funding effort online (http://www.youcaring.com/stephen-jamie-toulouse-368389) that has been created to assist in covering costs for Stepto’s family to be at his side. The goal is $10,000, or we should say was, because as of writing this news article it has surpassed its goal in less than a day. That is AMAZING. That being said, don’t feel shy and donate to this cause if you can, as having family by his side is an important thing and this is the perfect way for gamers who care to pass on some love.
Some of us here at COG have met Stepto and experienced his humour, his wit and his knowledge. We here at COG have him and his family in our thoughts and prayers and hope that his recovery is a swift and full one.