"Konami Code" Creator Kazuhisa Hashimoto Has Passed Away

Kazuhisa Hashimoto, the video game developer behind the famed “Konami Code,” has passed away at the age of 70. Officially announced on Konami’s Twitter, Hashimoto was responsible for the “up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A” cheat code that has been used by gamers all over the world to unlock Easter eggs.

The late video game developer created the code back in 1986 while working on porting Konami’s flagship scrolling shooter Gradius from the arcade to the Nintendo Entertainment System. Hashimoto created the code after finding the game too difficult but had forgotten to remove his bypass before the game was released to the public. When entered during the pause screen, players received every power-up in the game. Despite considerations to remove the Konami Code, fears that the removal of the code would break the game ultimately led it to stay in the game.

Throughout the years, the “Konami Code” was included in iconic game franchises like Contra, Castlevania, Metal Gear and Dance Dance Revolution to deliver gamers with exclusive perks and unlock secret elements.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends of the family of Konami Code creator Kazuhisa Hashimoto.

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