Nintendo has reported that president Satoru Iwata passed away yesterday due to complications from a bile duct growth. The young 55 year old president took the helm of Nintendo ahead of the launch of both the Wii and DS, bringing the company great success. Unlike many who held his high ranking corporate position, Iwata's humble beginnings started in game development.
The news has stunned the gaming community and left me speechless. The young president brought a certain levity to the more serious and reserved role as held by Hiroshi Yamauchi. His appearances at E3 were memorable and fun, the Nintendo Directs were personal and honest. It's hard to imagine that he'll no longer be around the next time one of these special events air.
His contribution to gaming has been immeasurable - from helping create games like Kirby, Earthbound, and Balloon Fight, to bringing the world completely new play styles in the Wii and DS.
He has left an enormous set of shoes to fill and will be deeply missed. Rest in peace.
Don't even know what to say about this. So sad.
In a weird way, I feel like he's responsible for giving me the opportunity to make video games. An idea like that just seems like something he'd encourage from a corporate level.
Can barely imagine the next Nintendo Direct without him there. Man, I'm so sad about this.
yeah this is really sad. He seemed like such a happy and fun guy for a person in his position. He was so young! I can't imagine how they're going to replace him -- some people are irreplaceable.
It's just sad and shocking. A great man who started out as a programmer and worked his way up in the business. It's not going to be the same. Iwata.may he rest in piece.
What gets me is that Iwata was fairly young. I mean 55 isn't that old, really.
Truly shocking. Iwata was an amazing man, a gamer at heart. I fear what this may mean for the future of Nintendo. Nintendo has lost a great mind and a powerful influence for all of gaming.
