Sega has issued a public tribute following the death of its co-founder David Rosen, who passed away on December 25, 2025, at the age of 95. In a short statement shared on social media, the company described Rosen as a pioneer of the video game industry and acknowledged his foundational role in shaping Sega’s early direction and long-term identity.
Rosen’s involvement in the entertainment business began well before the modern video game industry existed. After joining the US Air Force at 18, he was stationed in Japan during the Korean War, an experience that would shape the rest of his career. In 1954, he founded Rosen Enterprises, initially focusing on artwork and photography services for international clients. By the late 1950s, the company had shifted toward coin-operated amusement machines, reflecting the growing popularity of arcade-style entertainment in post-war Japan.
That shift proved decisive. Rosen Enterprises eventually merged with Nihon Goraku Bussan, forming what would become Sega. Rosen took on the role of chief executive and managing director, overseeing a business that spanned jukeboxes, pinball machines, and early arcade games. During this period, Sega established itself as a significant player in location-based entertainment, laying the groundwork for its later expansion into video games.
As the industry evolved, so did Sega. In the 1980s, with home consoles beginning to erode arcade revenues, the company pivoted toward consumer hardware. This transition led to the release of systems such as the Sega Master System and, later, the emergence of Sonic the Hedgehog, a character that would become one of the most recognizable figures in gaming and popular culture. While Sega’s creative and technical teams drove these developments, Rosen remained a steady presence in the company’s leadership as it navigated increasingly competitive global markets.
Rosen’s influence extended beyond Japan. He played a key role in establishing Sega of America, serving as chairman and helping the company expand its footprint in the West. He remained actively involved with Sega through the mid-1990s, retiring from his executive roles in 1996. By that point, Sega had become a household name, even as it faced mounting challenges in the console business.
In its tribute, Sega emphasized that Rosen’s contributions would not be forgotten. While his name may be less familiar to younger audiences than the characters and franchises the company produces, his impact is embedded in the structure and ambition of the modern video game industry. From arcade cabinets to global entertainment brands, Rosen lived long enough to see the medium he helped shape reach audiences far beyond its early niche, leaving a legacy that continues to influence games, hardware, and popular culture today.
