Ryoichi Yanase, Roy Yanase, Ryoichi (Roy) Yanase, Ryoichi (Roy) Yanase obituary, video game designer, video game animator, Play Mechanix, Raw Thrills, arcade video game, coin-op video game, Big Buck Hunter, Johnny Nero Action Hero, Aliens Extermination, Terminator Salvation
GLEN ELLYN, IL -- Ryoichi (Roy) Yanase, lead animator for Play Mechanix here, is dead at 39.
A native of Japan, Yanase came to the United States to pursue a degree in art and animation at Chicago's Columbia College. He joined Play Mechanix, now a subsidiary videogame developer Raw Thrills, early in 2001.
His skills made an immediate impact. "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," the company reported.
Yanase, who died on Feb. 3, is survived by his wife Akemi and an unborn child; parents Hiroshi and Mutsuko; and sister Eri.
Condolences to the Yanase family may be sent to Play Mechanix, Inc. at 800 Roosevelt Rd., Ste. D-103, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137.