Recently a comment from Alolhunter brought a tread from the Beta Hunter forums to my attention.
The Thread Entitled “[Suggestion] In Memory of Ezra Chatterton” by Agravayne brought up an interesting idea.
To give you some background in case you don’t know, Ezra Chatterton (a.k.a. Ephoenix) was (yes sad to say Ezra recently passed this week). Was a child suffering from a brain tumor and was given an opportunity from the Make a Wish Foundation to live out one of his life dreams. To be part of a game development team.
You see his influence in the game today. From something simple as his dog being part of the game (Kyle’s Gone Missing quest), to the creation of the the NPC for the quest (Ahab Wheathoof <The Old Rancher>), and other achievements like obtaining the Phoenix Mount, to desiging the Merciless Gladiator’s Crossbow of the Phoenix.
Now, there’s the suggestion of having a memorial built in honor of Ezra and his achievements and contributions to the game.
Some might think Ezra has his memorial, and unlike many of us, he got to design it just the way he liked it. And others, might think why do this? Doesn’t it set a precedent for other people to request memorials in game? And there are yet others that will forever be insensitive and just troll back comments without first thinking of the consequences to the family, friends and others that had the opportunity to meet and get to know Ezra.
But back to the question at hand? Should WoW put up memorials for players that have put their mark on the game in some way? Should they be immortalized in a way that would impact the lore of the game?
Well, for those I only have to say, Why NOT!! Okay.. We make heroes out of people that bring laughter and joy to the game. Heck! We give some their own trading card and now an achievement!
Also, this precedent is already made. Blizzard has given other memorials to members of their development team. And at the root of this, wasn’t Ezra a member of this team? Even if it was just a short time, his quests, mount, and bow will continue to be a part of the game. Parts of the game he helped design.
Because of those achievements, and because of his wish to be a game developer, what better way to fulfill this wish, than give him a memorial somewhere in the game.
P.s. My sincere condolences go out to Mr. and Mrs. Chatterton and their family in this time of sorrow.
Eddie “Brigwyn” Carrington is often known as being that crazy dwarf on Twitter.
He's also a blogger, podcaster (Hosts Brigwyn's Corner, Co-host of Everything Blah! and of course Redneck Geek and Cajun Gamer with his good friend Andy "Daewin" Dino. 
