Namco is one of the most important video game companies there is- it was responsible for the rise of video gaming in arcades, via its Pac-Man and Galaga cabinets, it was a frontrunner in NES development, it is credited with the rise of Sega with the Genesis, and it single handedly blazed the trail for PlayStation’s success, thanks to early games such as Tekken and Ridge Racer. Namco is a pioneer of genres such as 3D fighters and racing games, and even today, remains one of the largest publishers in the world, and one of the few Japanese companies to have escaped the decline of the Japanese market without being affected at all.

A large part of all of Namco’s accomplishments can be credit to founder Masaya Nakamura (who even named the company after himself- Nakamura Amusement Machine Company). Nakamura-sama truly stands as one of the pioneers of the video game medium, and one of the fathers of the medium as we know it today. So it’s with a heavy heart that we have to report today that he has passed away at the age of 91. Bandai Namco confirmed his passing in a statement, where they also noted that out of respect for his family’s wishes and privacy, they would not be disclosing the exact cause of his death.

Nakamura-sama is one of the fathers of video games, and one of the reasons that all of us are playing games today. On his passing, let us all of us unite as fans of the medium to pay respects to his memories. May he rest in peace.

In the midst of breaking news regarding E3, here’s something far less important.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of arcade classic Galaga, Namco Bandai have partnered with Nolcha to bring designers a chance to offer up some Galaga inspired designs for the merchandise.

According to the press release “Submissions are being accepted until June 24 and can be completed by going to www.globalfashionbrands.com/galaga.  Once the submissions close, a panel of gaming and fashion experts will select the top 10 designs.  From there, it is up the public to vote for the winner.  The winner and four runner-ups will have their designs sold via GlobalFashionBrands.com and exhibited at Nolcha Fashion Week: New York September 8-11, 2011.”

If you fancy your chances, then check out the above link to enter. Classic gaming meeting contemporary design right here.