There’s some extremely unhappy information popping out of Japan immediately – with Sega confirming the legendary sport developer Rieko Kodama has handed away at 59 years of age. SEGA producer Yosuke Oskunari revealed Kodama had handed away after a memorial message for Kodama was found within the credit of the Mega Drive Mini 2:

Kodama was one of many first females in online game growth to make a reputation for herself and was typically related to Sega’s role-playing video games. She’s additionally been formally recognised as a pioneer of the trade – along with her profession in sport growth spanning greater than three many years.

Rieko Kodama began out at Sega in 1984 as a graphic designer engaged on video games like Champion Boxing, Alex Kidd, Altered Beast and Sonic the Hedgehog and went on to change into a director and producer for collection like Phantasy Star and Skies of Arcadia. In newer years, she labored on the Sega Ages line because the lead producer.

On behalf of your complete neighborhood right here at Nintendo Life, our ideas exit to Kodama’s household, buddies, and colleagues throughout this troublesome time.