Sega confirms that game designer and producer Rieko Kodama has passed away

The pioneering game designer and producer behind Sega classics like Phantasy Star and Skies of Arcadia, Rieko Kodama, has passed away. The news reportedly spread when Sega producer Yosuke Oskunari  shared on tweet:

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The rumours started when a tribute to Kodama was noticed in the Mega Drive Mini 2 credits. Sega producer Yosuke Oskunari responded that Kodama had passed away when asked if that was the message’s intended meaning.

Kodama’s death in May was subsequently confirmed by Sega, however the company was unwilling to provide any other information out of respect for her family’s privacy.

As a graphic designer for Sega, she started her career in the video game industry in 1984. She has previously worked on games like Alex Kidd, Phantasy Star, and Sonic the Hedgehog. Both Magic Knight Rayearth and Phantasy IV were directed by Kodama. She worked as a producer on games like Sega Ages and Skies of Arcadia.

Yuji Naka, the co-creator of Sonic the Hedgehog, paid tribute to her on Twitter.