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:
As you understand it. We respected her.
— Yosuke Okunari /奥成洋輔 (@okunari) October 27, 2022
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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.
Finally, the staff credits include a memorial message for Rieko Kodama. She started as an artist on games such as Alex Kidd In Miracle World, Phantasy Star and Sonic The Hedgehog, and was the producer for Skies Of Arcadia, 7th Dragon and most recently the Switch Sega Ages games. pic.twitter.com/v6xk8oUNYO
— Nick Thorpe (@HKT3030) October 26, 2022
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.
Rieko Kodama passed away on May 9, 2022. I have very fond memories of her because we were Sega colleagues and created Phantasy Star and Sonic together. I wasn’t sure about the funeral pictures, but I wanted everyone to remember her. May she rest in peace. Rieko Kodama, forever. pic.twitter.com/lw9UTxLXbS
— Yuji Naka / 中 裕司 (@nakayuji) October 27, 2022