Kimberly Kubus

Kimberly Kubus (1986–2014), real name Kim Okkerstrøm, was a prolific Norwegian indie game developer, musician, and filmmaker known for creating over 200 experimental and surreal games between 2001 and 2013. Operating under multiple pseudonyms including Kimberly Kubus, Sparlatacus, and PG Games, he became an early outsider artist figure in video game development, creating avant-garde titles that deliberately challenged conventional game design. His most recognized work is the "Johnny" series, consisting of 36 games featuring the protagonist Johnny with his characteristically long nose navigating hostile, surreal worlds. Known for intentionally imperfect yet artistically significant creations, Kubus used video games as a medium to explore his mental health experiences, treating them as art rather than commercial products. Much of his work is now considered lost media, with only a handful of his games preserved through the Internet Archive. Kimberly Kubus died in December 2014, and the cause of death was suicide. He struggled with mental health issues, and his death was confirmed by friends and collaborators later that month. This tragic aspect adds a somber context to his artistic legacy.