Hideki Sato, who served as the president and chairman of Sega, passed away on February 13, 2023, at the age of 75. Having joined Sega Enterprises (now Sega) in 1971, Sato made significant contributions to the company's early ventures into home gaming. He was the lead developer of the SC-3000, Sega's first home computer, and played a pivotal role in the design and success of various gaming systems including the Mega Drive, Sega Saturn, and Dreamcast. Under his leadership, Sega solidified its position in the gaming industry with groundbreaking innovations.

Sato became president of Sega in March 2001 following the death of former president Isao Okawa. His tenure was marked by the challenge of adapting to a rapidly evolving gaming industry landscape, but his contributions to Sega's iconic franchises and systems helped the company maintain a loyal fan base despite the competitive pressures from other gaming giants. Sato's passing marks a significant loss for the gaming community, as he was a central figure in the history of console gaming.

The impact of Sato's work can still be felt today, as he influenced multiple generations of gamers through the consoles he helped create. His legacy is particularly evident in the continued popularity of Sega's franchises and the enduring influence of the technologies he pioneered. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Sato's contributions will be remembered as a foundational piece of gaming history.