Sega veteran Rieko Kodama has died
The long-time game developer's credits included Sonic The Hedgehog, Phantasy Star, and Skies of Arcadia.
Long-time Sega game designer and producer Rieko Kodama has died at age 58.
A memorial message for Kodama, from staff credits found on the Sega Genesis Mini 2, was shared on Twitter.
As reported by IGN, it was confirmed that she passed away on May 9. Details about her death weren't provided out of respect for her family's privacy.
She began working in the games industry in 1984 as a graphic designer at Sega. Some of her earlier game credits included Alex Kidd, Phantasy Star, and Sonic The Hedgehog.
Kodama served as director for Phantasy IV and Magic Knight Rayearth. As a producer she worked on titles such as Skies of Arcadia and Sega Ages.
She was eulogized by Sonic The Hedgehog co-creator Yuji Naka on Twitter.
"I have very fond memories of her because we were Sega colleagues and created Phantasy Star and Sonic together," Naka explained.
"I wasn't sure about the funeral pictures, but I wanted everyone to remember her. May she rest in peace. Rieko Kodama, forever."