Getting stuck at the same level for days or dying multiple times is definitely one of the most infuriating things that can happen in video games. That’s why Kazuhisa Hashimoto—the creator of the famous Konami Code—introduced a not so super-secret cheat code to give players a full set of power-ups so they never have to start again.
Although the code was originally developed to ease the difficulty of playing Gradius, it also became pervasive in pop culture. It is used as a reference to the third generation of video game consoles, as well as, easter eggs on some websites.
Given his major contribution to the video gaming world, gamers and pop culture geeks couldn’t help but mourn the death of 61-year-old Kazuhisa Hashimoto. The sad news was confirmed on Twitter by Yuji Takenouchi, a video game sound designer who was also the developer’s friend.
コナミコマンド「上上下下左右左右BA」の生みの親であるプログラマーの橋本和久さんが、昨夜、亡くなられたとのこと。ご冥福をお祈りいたします。
— TECHNOuchi ♓️🅰 (@TECHNOuchi) February 26, 2020
The official Twitter page of Konami Digital Entertainment Inc., expressed their deepest sympathy on the recent passing of Hashimoto, whom they described as a “deeply talented producer.”
We are saddened to hear about the passing of Kazuhisa Hashimoto, a deeply talented producer who first introduced the world to the "Konami Code".
Our thoughts are with Hashimoto-san's family and friends at this time. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/vQijEQ8lU2
— Konami (@Konami) February 26, 2020
Meanwhile, online users took to Twitter to share how the well-known code became a huge part of their childhood.
Thank you Kazuhisa Hashimoto for giving us the most well known cheat code in existence 😢😭 pic.twitter.com/F51a1q3HhB
— Philnemba (@philnemba) February 26, 2020
A babysitter taught me the Konami Code to get past a level I couldn't beat in TMNT on the NES and it opened a whole new world to me, a child who was terrible at video games https://t.co/qlyTfHDx1G
— Josh Billinson (@jbillinson) February 26, 2020
Fun fact, the famous “Konami code” that we all love (⬆️⬆️⬇️⬇️⬅️➡️you know the rest) was made famous by Contra but was also in other Konami games. The first time it was introduced was this beauty… in Gradius, the Konami code gave you a giant weapon/invincibility buff pic.twitter.com/lqXx2YchQh
— ᴀʀᴅᴀ Öᴄᴀʟ (@Arda) February 20, 2020
This generation of gamers might not know his name but we will always be thankful towards Hashimoto for making our childhood more memorable and awesome. Rest easy, Kazuhisa Hashimoto!
_____
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