Something that is always a source of sadness in the world of video games is the death of great creators who contributed in a very positive way to this very fruitful business. And today is precisely one of those days. Bernard bernie stolaran essential part of SEGA of America and PlayStation He left this plane a short time ago.
Stolar started his career in 1980 when he co-founded Pacific Novelty Manufacturing Inc.an arcade machine company that offered arcades throughout the state of California. Later, I would work for Atari in its slot division, before being transferred to the home console division of the company that had its crisis in the year 83.
He was the first president of Sony Computer Entertainment America and was instrumental in signing characters like Crash Bandicoot Ridge Racer Y Spyro the Dragon in PS1. For his part, it is said that he applied a “no RPG” policy because the genre was mainly in 2D at that time, and thus the power of the first would not be shown. PlayStation.
Some time later he moved to SEGA of Americawhere he oversaw the console launch Saturn. Subsequently, Stolar became COO in March 1997 and president the following year.
His most important moment in SEGA It was when it was announced that dream cast would be priced at $199 USD during a speech in 1999. However, it came to light that this angered SEGA from Japan, who insisted that the device come with a price. at $249 USD to maximize earnings. Decision that perhaps was not the best.
This last decision could have affected his job. Since prior to the console’s release in North America, Stolar he was fired and received a $5 million severance package.
Here is his statement after dismissal:
I took over the Sega position based on conversations with Hayao Nakayama. Unfortunately, Nakayama was kicked out of the company by Mr. Okawa at the end of 1999, and when he was kicked out, I also had an argument with Japan. I was expelled too.
bernie stolar He passed away at 75 years of age. It is not commented what the cause was, but it happened in his native California.
Via: VGC