The embattled former head of Sonic Team, Yuji Naka, has reportedly admitted to charges of insider trading in relation to shares worth around £865k.
We brought you news back in November that Naka had been arrested after a suspicious trade in shares of Japanese developer Aiming. Following that story and awaiting trial, Naka was arrested again in December for another trade, this time after learning of the existence of the mobile game Final Fantasy VII: The First Soldier, developed by ATeam Entertainment.
During his opening statement, the prosecutor in the ongoing case claimed that Naka accessed a website containing materials and minutes of investment meetings that allowed the Balan Wonderworld developer to learn of the existence of the then-unannounced mobile game Dragon Quest Tact, as well.
TBS News Dig quotes Naka as saying, "there is no doubt that I found out about the games before they were made public and bought shares in them."
Naka, credited in some games as YU2, is most famous for his work as the lead programmer on the Sonic the Hedgehog series, and perhaps most infamous for his role in the creation of the critically-panned Balan Wonderworld, at least until the current allegations arose. Which was the greater crime? The jury is still out (sorry, couldn't resist!).
What do you think of this latest turn in the ongoing Yuji Naka saga? Let us know in the comments
[source videogameschronicle.com]
Comments 9
Naka couldn’t buy a ‘W’ if he tried 😬.
He's done for then, the Japanese justice system will have a field day with this.
............. Gotta go fast......
I guess the most fitting Sonic song now would be "Escape from the City".
Sad to see such a fall from grace. Both creatively and morally. Hope he figures his life out.
Y'know, I actually respect Yuji Naka for admitting to it. Normally someone in his position would deny it and then manipulate the legal system to squirm their way out of it.
I seen a documentary on Japanese prisons and they're super strict. It's pretty crazy
This guy is an effin disappointment. He ruined his career in spectacular fashion.
I really liked his games too. That's why it stings. Phantasy star, Nights, Sonic... they are all magical games that approached art and had powerful messages. He along with Yu Suzuki and others were what made old SEGA special.
He grew too big at SEGA and became arrogant. Then from arrogant to bankrupt to a crook. Deary me.
I just wanted him to work on those series again. Disappointing...
@N1ghtW1ng I think it's more he was caught red handed and there was no point in lying?
However I do want to think deep down he was trying to be honest just because. I always try to see the good in people, sometimes to an extreme fault.
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