Jon Miller, the creator of the popular G.E.M.S. sound driver for the Genesis/Mega Drive, has passed away. He began his career at Sega in 1991 as a programmer, working on titles such as Spider-Man, Chakan: The Forever Man, Taz-Mania, Taz in Escape from Mars, and Pink Goes to Hollywood. Miller’s impressive credits also include games like Champions World Class Soccer (1993), X-Men 2: Clone Wars (1995), Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain (1996), Gex: Enter the Gecko (1998), Akuji: The Heartless (1998), and Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver (1999). His contributions to the gaming industry will be remembered and appreciated.
Miller was not only a programmer and producer, but also a key figure in the development of the G.E.M.S. sound driver, which had a significant impact on numerous Mega Drive/Genesis games. Tommy Tallarico, known for his work on soundtracks in the ’90s, highlighted the importance of G.E.M.S., describing it as the best sound driver/editor available to the general public in the first half of the 90’s. Before G.E.M.S., composers and sound designers had limited tools at their disposal. Our condolences go out to Miller’s family and friends during this challenging time.
We lost a great man yesterday. Jon Miller worked with me on these games, but more importantly Jon created GEMS, the sound driver used in 200 Genesis Games. Jon made GEMS to enable musicians on the SEGA Genesis, not just FM programmers.
— Ed of Legend ? (@edannunziata) May 8, 2024
Jon always called me Edddieeeee ? pic.twitter.com/dto3W7ibX6
