We’ve got some sad news from the industry – with an obituary from the Miami Herald confirming that former Rare CEO Joel Hochberg passed away earlier this week, aged 87. Joel lives with his wife, children, grandchildren and extended family.
As noted by GamesIndustry.biz, he signed on with Ultimate Play the Game and Rare founders Tim & Chris Stamper in 1986, overseeing the company’s business operations within the US, with a division based in Miami, Florida. During this time, he also served as president of Rare’s coin machine company, Rare Coin-It Inc.
Hochberg has received “special thanks” over the years in games such as Donkey Kong Country, GoldenEye 007, and Conker’s Bad Fur Day. Prior to Rare, he was vice president of arcade game manufacturer Centuri.
On social media, former CEO Tim Stamper mentioned how Hochberg “changed the course of history” – giving the company access to its first Famicom years ago. Other former Rare employees and industry figures also paid tribute.
On behalf of the team and community here at Nintendo Life, our thoughts go out to Joel’s family, friends and colleagues.
