Segahas confirmed that renowned veteran Rieko Kodama died earlier this year after nearly 40 years with the iconic Japanese developer. Kodama, who also went by “Phoenix Rie” in her earlier games, was a longtime Sega member, first joining theSonic the Hedgehogdeveloper in 1984 as an artist on some of Sega’s arcade titles. Kodama became most well-known by Sega fans for her involvement in many of the developer’sRPGs likePhantasy StarandSkies of Arcadia. Now, producer Yosuke Okunari has confirmed that Kodama passed away earlier this year.
Fans first discovered Kodama’s apparent death through the staff credits forSega’s newly released Mega Drive Mini 2, with a memorial dedicated to Rieko Kodama. Upon being questioned by fans about the memorial, Okunari would confirm that Kodama had passed away earlier in the year in May. According to Okunari, news about Kodama’s death was not made public out of respect for the privacy of her family. Kodama was 58 at the time of her death, passing away just weeks before her 59th birthday.
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Kodama was most well-known throughout her time with Sega as being a major driving force behind many of the company’s early RPG franchises. Okunari worked as an artist on several Sega RPGs from early on in her time with Sega, working onPhantasy StarandPhantasy Star 2as well as being an artist for thefirst twoSonic the Hedgehoggames. Kodama would later move into an executive position, serving as director forPhantasy Star 4and sitting as producer for theSkies of Arcadiafranchise.
Kodama gained significant renown within the video game industry as one of gaming’s first major female developers. She was often hailed as the “First Lady of RPGs” and received significant praise from fans for her work in bringing more girls and women into the gaming space. Kodama was also given the Pioneer Award in 2018 at the Game Developers Choice Awards for her career as an artist, producer, and director. Kodama’s later work saw her produce the Japan-only7th Dragonfranchise and the series ofSega portsSega Ages.
The news of Rieko Kodama’s passing comes with the release of the Sega Genesis Mini 2 containing multiple games that Kodama personally had a hand in creating. Kodama worked as an artist for bothPhantasy Star 2andShadow Dancer, both of which are included in the mini-console. WhileSonic CDwas the only game included on the second edition of the mini-console, Sega’s previously released Genesis Mini included several games Kodama created art for and her directorial debut,Phantasy Star 4. Kodama leaves behind a legacy that will live on as one of the industry’s female pioneers.
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