Sad news to report as SEGA producer Yosuke Oskunari has confirmed that Rieko Kodama has passed away at age 59.
Kodama was a legendary developer within SEGA and worked on classics such as Phantasy Star, 7th Dragon series, Skies of Arcadia, Altered Beast and the original Sonic the Hedgehog. She started out at SEGA as a graphic designer and quickly moved into the role of director and then producer.
Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this time.