Gamers have been greeted with some sad news regarding the death of "Pac-Man" and Namco founder Masaya Nakamura. He was 91 years old.

While his death is only being announced, Bandai Namco said he died on Jan 22. Sources say that only close relatives attended his wake and funeral.

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Before his company rose to prominence as a video game developer, it began as Nakamura Manufacturing, which handled amusement park children's rides back in 1955. It shifted its focus to other means of entertainment by 1958, which saw the company name changed to Nakamura Amusement Machine Manufacturing Company.

Using the company's Acronym, it would be later called Namco. The company published its first video game called "Gee Bee" in 1978 and followed up with "Galaxian" in the same year. Their smash hit "Pac-Man" came out for the arcades in 1980 and became the world's most successful coin-operated arcade game, according to the Guinness World Records. 

Continuing with "Galaga" in 1981, the company enjoyed immense success during the golden age of video games in 1982. Arcade games like "Dig Dug," "Pole Position" and "Xevious" were some of their most popular games. The publisher proceeded to develop games for the successful Nintendo Entertainment System and other consoles until its eventual merger with Bandai in 2005. Masaya Nakamura kept an honorary position at Bandai Namco when the two companies were merged.

In 2007, the Japanese government recognized Nakamura's contribution to the country's industry. He was reportedly awarded the "Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette" to commemorate his achievements. 

Bandai Namco is reportedly planning a farewell event for Masaya Nakamura, which will highlight his accomplishments and history with the company. "Pac-Man" was designed by Toru Iwatani who worked for Namco during its arcade release. Besides being recognized as the founder of the video game company, Nakamura is also described as the father of pellet-munching arcade game.