Would the story be any different had David still alive?
Another ask that deserves an in-universe and meta answer.
In-universe: I can imagine Maria divorcing David not too long after Newman takes over. She would be so freaked out; logic would tell her that her husband is going through some sort of psychotic episode, but deep down she would know that that person isn’t her husband anymore. She would find herself thinking about demonic possession and she would scoff at the idea, but what else could explain the otherworldliness of it all?
For Newman’s part, their casket would be (at least) 56 years old when Tzr’nekre finally catches up with them. I think Roach would be part of the game because they went out looking for Newman. Maybe Horizon too? Since they are the leader of the cult Newman is using for energy.
Meta: TP wouldn’t be as entertaining as it is n_n” A fixed MC tends* to be a big no-no in interactive fiction. I mean, one of the most alluring things about ifs is shaping your character and how they react to the story, so being forced to play as a 50-year-old dude would turn off most people I think.
*I’ve seen games that pull this off, tho. Wilhelmina has you playing as, well, Dracula’s Wilhelmina, and although I never play female MCs, this one really works for me.