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Sega Hardware Pioneer Hideki Sato Dies at 77
16 Feb
Summary
- Hideki Sato, Sega's former president and console designer, has passed away.
- He led the creation of iconic consoles like Mega Drive and Dreamcast.
- Sega sold over 100 million home consoles during its hardware peak.
Hideki Sato, a pivotal figure in video game history and former president of Sega, has passed away at the age of 77. Sato joined Sega in 1971 and played a crucial role in developing the company's arcade and home console hardware for decades. His tenure saw the release of groundbreaking systems such as the SG-1000, Sega Master System, Sega Mega Drive, Sega Saturn, and Sega Dreamcast.
The Sega Mega Drive, in particular, introduced millions to arcade-style gaming at home with iconic titles like Sonic the Hedgehog. Sega's console sales peaked in the mid-1990s, with the company selling over 100 million home consoles globally; the Mega Drive alone sold approximately 43 million units. Sato departed Sega in 2008 as the company shifted its focus to software development for rival platforms.
His legacy is celebrated by fans and industry peers alike, who remember him as a "truly great man" who significantly influenced the Japanese video game landscape. The excitement and innovative spirit of the era he helped shape continue to resonate with gamers worldwide, ensuring his contributions are forever remembered.
