We received this terrible news from Play Mechanix the other day, and I just want to pass along my condolences to his family. Roy’s work can be seen in many arcade games such as Big Buck Hunter, Aliens: Extermination, Terminator Salvation and others. Hit the break below for the obituary.
Ryoichi “Roy” Yanase
January 5, 1972 – February 3, 2011
Roy Yanase passed away Thursday February 3rd, 2011. Roy was the lead animator and a long time employee of Play Mechanix, Inc. A native of Japan, Roy came to America to pursue a degree in art and animation at Columbia College in Chicago. In February 2001, he came to work at Play Mechanix and became a member of the Coin-Op industry. Roy’s talent in drawing and animation made an immediate impact on the games being made by the company. Game players all around the world have been entertained by his talent while playing such games as Big Buck Hunter Pro, Big Buck Safari, Johnny Nero Action Hero, Aliens Extermination and Terminator Salvation.
Roy’s unique talent and style was a delight for all those that knew him. His kindness and generosity was extended to everyone he encountered. Roy’s life was cut short much too early and he will be missed by all those that knew him and those that were exposed to his art. Roy is survived by his wife Akemi and their unborn child, his parents, Hiroshi and Mutsuko, and his sister Eri. Condolences for the Yanase family may be sent to Play Mechanix, Inc. 800 Roosevelt Rd Suite D-103, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Ah that sucks – rest in peace.
This is a damn shame…. He passed way before his time. I wonder what could have happened?
Not sure, I wonder if it was related to that huge blizzard that happened a couple of weeks ago.