David Rosen obit

Sega co-founder David Rosen dies aged 95

 

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Sega co-founder David Rosen has died at the age of 95, marking the loss of one of the most influential figures in the history of the arcade and video game industry.

Rosen played a central role in shaping Sega’s early years and the rise of Japan’s post-war arcade scene, helping lay the groundwork for the global games business that followed.

Rosen passed away on December 25, 2025, in Los Angeles, at the age of 95. His death was confirmed in early January, with industry publication RePlay Magazine reporting that he was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.

Born in New York, Rosen served in the U.S. Air Force before being stationed in Japan, where he would later lay the foundations for what became one of gaming’s most iconic companies. In the 1950s, he founded Rosen Enterprises, importing and operating coin-operated amusement machines at a time when Japan’s arcade scene was still new.

In 1965, Rosen’s company merged with Service Games to form Sega Enterprises, with Rosen taking on the roles of chairman and CEO.

Under his leadership, Sega released early arcade successes, including Periscope in 1966, a title known for its large cabinet design and often credited with helping popularize arcade machines worldwide.

Rosen later oversaw Sega’s expansion beyond Japan and played a key role in establishing Sega of America, guiding the company through multiple ownership changes. He also served as the first chairman of the Japan Amusement Association, further shaping the country’s growing arcade industry.

He retired from Sega in 1996, leaving behind a legacy that laid the early foundations of the modern video game industry.