The gaming world lost am inspiring talent. Rieko Kodama, affectionately known as Phoenix Rie by her colleagues, passed away back in May of 2022. News of her death was kept from being public news out of respect for her family, when Sega was asked on inquiry. These details didn't become public knowledge until late October, when a memorial tribute was found in the credits of the Sega Genesis Mini 2.

Long time Sega director and producer Yuji Naka shared his thoughts via 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."

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

She had worked for Sega throughout her entire career up until her passing, getting her start in 1991 on Sonic the Hedgehog. Known as one of the pioneer of the industry, Kodama gain notoriety for being one of the first female video game directors, with Nintendo Power labeling her "The First Lady of Gaming". Her eye for wanting to make video games for a braoder audience and not focus on stereotypes and created female characters geared towards being more strong-willed and dependable in role-playing games. These influences can be felt in the Phantasy Star series, Magic Knight Rayearth for the Sega Saturn, and as well as female leads like Aika and Feena in Skies of Arcadia. 

(Vyse comforts Aika in Skies of Arcadia. Image Credit: SEGA)

Kodama's other game credits include work on Altered Beast, Alex Kidd in Miracle World, and the 7th Dragon series. She was also a very big fan of the Dragonlance series, her favorite character was the powerful and pragmatic mage Raistlin Majere.