Sega Confirms Pioneering Developer Rieko Kodama Passed Away

Pioneering Sega developer Rieko Kodama has passed away at the age of 58. Eurogamer reports: A memorial message for her was spotted in the credits of the Mega Drive Mini 2 and later confirmed by Sega producer Yosuke Oskunari. Sega subsequently confirmed Kodama passed back in May, but was unable to share details in respect to her family, as reported by IGN. "We pray that the deceased will rest in peace, and we offer our gratitude for her enormous contributions to Sega," said Sega of Japan. Kodama worked on some of Sega's most celebrated games, including Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Skies of Arcadia, and Alex Kidd. She's perhaps best known as one of the creative leads on the Phantasy Star series, directing Phantasy Star 4. In 2019 she won the Pioneer Award at the Game Developers Choice Awards for her 35-year career in an industry dominated by men.

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