Masaya Nakamura, Founder Of Namco, Creator Of Pac-Man, Dies At 91

Masaya Nakamura, the founder of Namco, passed away on Jan. 22, according to an official statement. Nakamura was 91 years old.

MASAYA NAKAMURA, NAMCO FOUNDER, DIES AT 91

Details concerning his death, including its exact cause, are unknown, as per his family’s wishes. While the news of his passing was made public on Monday, a private service was already held for his closest relatives. Additionally, a memorial is planned for a later date.

Nakamura’s name should sound familiar to gamers. He initiated Nakamura Manufacturing in 1955, which focused on amusement rides for kids. However, his company adapted its more well-known name back in 1977. Finally, Namco merged with Bandai in 2005. Today, it’s known as Bandai Namco Entertainment.

Katsuhiro Harada, director of the Tekken series, was devastated by his mentor’s passing:

I'm in deep mourning.
He has been like a father to me.
Rest in peace.https://t.co/zDaNBKfEBx

— Katsuhiro Harada (@Harada_TEKKEN) January 30, 2017

Keita Takahashi, who helmed Katamari Damacy, was affected similarly:

RIP Masaya Nakamura. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to make 塊魂 despite I didn't have had an experience of making games before. 🙏🏻

— keita takahashi (@KeitaTakahacy) January 30, 2017

Nakamura’s tenure yielded many prolific, genre-defining titles, including Pac-Man, Ridge Racer and Dig Dug. Furthermore, in 2007, the Japanese government endowed Nakamura with the Order of the Rising Sun award in honor of his accomplishments.