Hiroshi Ono, better known by his nickname Mr. Dotman, has passed away after battling a long illness.
It’s a gray day for the video game industry. Hiroshi Ono, artist responsible for Pac-Man and other classic Bandai Namco games, has passed away at age 80 because of a long illness. This has been communicated on the official Twitter account of the professional, where the death of Ono is reported on October 16.
Hiroshi Ono, better known by his nickname Mr. Dotman, was a figure of great importance in the sector, as it significantly influenced the world of arcade games. In this sense, the professional was dedicated to the creation of pixel-art for old titles, something with which stood out in the industry for his work on Pac-Man and the design of his arcade machine. However, the artist also collaborated in the creation of other logos and even in sprites of the mythical Galaga.
Ono was part of the Namco team since 1979 and remained with the company until 2013. A long experience with which he had the opportunity to design the artistic section of titles such as Mappy, Xevious or the aforementioned Pac-Man and Galaga. Its influence in the industry is indisputable, and that is why several personalities in the sector they have paid their respects to the artist through social networks, as he has done Tekken producer with the message of “We pray for your soul. Thank you very much, Mr. Hiroshi Ono”, or the anecdote of the composer of Streets of Rage.
“My 15-year-old daughter found this and recently said with a smile,” I love the red cat. How cute! “I was surprised because his pixel art not only strongly inspired my generation, it also stayed in time. I know all of them are going to miss you too … “, explained the composer of Streets of Rage on Twitter.
Certainly a legendary figure who will remember forever through the classic art of Pac-Man, Galaga and the rest of the titles in which he has participated. A goodbye to one of the most influential professionals in the pixel-art sector and, ultimately, in the video game industry. Rest in peace, Hiroshi Ono.
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