Rieko Kodama (aka Phoenix Rie), the pioneering developer behind Sega classics, including Phantasy Star and Skies of Arcadia, has died at 58. The information arrived rather unorthodox, but heartful when a SEGA fan finished Drive Mini 2, and the credits paid tribute to her.
The media immediately jumped in and inquired whether the message was intended to indicate that Kodama had died, Sega producer Yosuke Oskunari said that she had. "As you understand it," Okunari wrote. "We respected her." Although Kodama died in May, her passing was kept “a secret” as a way to respect her and her family.
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
SEGA of Japan (translation provided by IGN Japan) added, “We pray that the deceased will rest in peace, and we offer our gratitude for her enormous contributions to SEGA.”
Known as Phoenix Rie in her early works, Kodama broke into the games industry in the mid-80s, where she worked as a graphic designer; then later as a producer and director. Her credits include Sonic the Hedgehog 2, although she is best known for her work as one of the creative leads of the Phantasy Star series, serving as the director of Phantasy Star IV.
May she rest in peace.
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