Legendary Gimmick! Composer Masashi Kageyama Passes Away at 62 – A Look Back on His Lasting Impact on Video Game Music

Masashi Kageyama, the acclaimed Japanese composer behind the celebrated soundtrack of Gimmick! for the Famicom and NES platforms, has died at the age of 62 following a battle with stomach cancer.

Brave Wave Productions, the music label recently collaborating with Kageyama on projects such as GIANTS and GIMMICK! OFFICIAL ARRANGED SOUNDTRACK, confirmed his passing on September 5, 2025, through heartfelt messages shared across their official social media channels. Kageyama is remembered by both music enthusiasts and gamers for his extraordinary contribution to Gimmick!, a Sunsoft-developed platformer initially released exclusively in Japan and select Scandinavian territories (where it was branded as Mr.

Gimmick).

While the title underwent limited releases during its original 1992 Famicom and NES debut, Gimmick! later gained significant international recognition as a cult classic, celebrated for its challenging gameplay, unique mechanics, and, notably, its pioneering soundtrack. The composer’s music for Gimmick! has long been one of the game’s defining features.

The Japanese edition of the title took advantage of a specialized three-voice expansion chip, enabling Kageyama to craft rich, nuanced melodies that far exceeded the hardware’s standard audio capabilities.

These innovative compositions have continued to resonate across generations, inspiring tributes and official soundtrack releases decades after the game’s original launch. In a statement, Brave Wave Productions said they were profoundly saddened to announce Masashi Kageyama’s passing and praised his significant impact on game music.

They described Kageyama as a cherished collaborator: “Kageyama-san’s joyful spirit, warmth, and enthusiasm left a lasting impression on all who had the honor of working with him.

Beyond his contributions to video game music, he was also an accomplished photographer and saxophonist, wholeheartedly dedicating himself to his crafts.” Extending their condolences to Kageyama’s family, friends, and global fanbase, Brave Wave Productions expressed deep appreciation for the gaming music community and for Nick Dwyer’s documentary series Diggin’ in the Carts, which played a crucial role in helping to reintroduce Kageyama’s work to a broader audience.

The label noted that the renewed interest and recognition for Gimmick!’s soundtrack brought the composer immense happiness in his later years, offering him the rare opportunity to directly engage with the fans who cherished his legacy. Masashi Kageyama’s influence on the landscape of video game music endures, as his melodic ingenuity continues to inspire game composers and musicians worldwide.

For those interested in learning more about Kageyama’s artistry, his interview segment can be found in Diggin’ in the Carts, starting at 10 minutes and 54 seconds into the episode—a fitting tribute to a life devoted to music and creative excellence.

NES Xbox Series X|S Famicom Sunsoft Brave Wave Productions Brave Legendary Masashi Kageyama Gimmick! GIANTS GIMMICK! OFFICIAL ARRANGED SOUNDTRACK Diggin' in the Carts Nick Dwyer