Readers and gamers alike are saddened today to hear of the death of bestselling author Tom Clancy. Aged 66, Clancy was best known for writing military thrillers, including The Hunt for Red October and the Jack Ryan series. Harrison Ford brought Ryan to life in the films Clear and Present Danger and Patriot Games.

Clancy also brought his gift for taut, military thrillers to gamers, when he founded Red Storm Entertainment in the 1990s. The company was bought by Ubisoft, which spawned several video game series, including Splinter Cell, Ghost Recon and Rainbow Six, making Tom Clancy a gaming brand as well as a successful author.

Ubisoft’s tribute to Clancy on its Google Plus page said, "We are humbled by the opportunity to carry on part of his legacy through our properties that bear his name."

Penguin Books UK also posted a message, reading, "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Tom Clancy. He was a master of his craft and it was our privilege to work with him."

His 17th novel, Command Authority, is due out in December.This man was not only my model as a young writer, but a crucial part in the game industry. He will be missed by many people, both readers and non-readers alike.