Sonic the Hedgehog co-creator Yuji Naka arrested over insider trading | Gaming News

Sonic the Hedgehog co-creator Yuji Naka arrested over insider trading

The co-creator of classic video game series Sonic the Hedgehog has been arrested for alleged insider trading, according to public prosecutors in Tokyo.

By:AFP
| Updated on: Nov 21 2022, 18:01 IST
Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog co-creator arrested over insider trading. (sonicthehedgehog.com)

The co-creator of classic video game series Sonic the Hedgehog has been arrested for alleged insider trading, according to public prosecutors in Tokyo.

Yuji Naka, a 57-year-old programmer known for making Sonic and other major titles at Japanese game firm Sega, was arrested on Friday, a prosecution document obtained by AFP said.

You may be interested in

7% OFF
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
  • Black Titanium
  • 8 GB RAM
  • 256 GB Storage
23% OFF
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G
  • Green
  • 12 GB RAM
  • 256 GB Storage
Google Pixel 8 Pro
  • Obsidian
  • 12 GB RAM
  • 128 GB Storage
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
  • Black
  • 6 GB RAM
  • 128 GB Storage

His alleged misdeed took place nearly three years ago, when Naka was an employee at "Final Fantasy" creator Square Enix, the Tokyo District Prosecutors Office document said.

Also read
Looking for a smartphone? To check mobile finder click here.

Naka is accused of buying shares in another game company, Aiming, when he knew they were going to release a new title jointly developed with Square Enix.

He purchased 10,000 shares in Aiming for 2.8 million yen ($20,000) in January 2020, according to the document, and the new game was announced the following month.

Prosecutors on Thursday arrested two other former Square Enix employees, also for alleged insider trading linked to Aiming.

Naka was not immediately reachable for comment, but his fans expressed surprise and disappointment on social media.

"Please tell me this isn't true. He brought Sonic to life... I'm so sad," one Twitter user wrote.

"He worked on many great games. So disappointing," said another.

On the website of the game studio that Naka founded called Prope, the programmer said he wanted to create "games that surprise and entertain children around the world".

Catch all the Latest Tech News, Mobile News, Laptop News, Gaming news, Wearables News , How To News, also keep up with us on Whatsapp channel,Twitter, Facebook, Google News, and Instagram. For our latest videos, subscribe to our YouTube channel.

First Published Date: 21 Nov, 18:01 IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS
Not sure which Mobile to buy? Need help?