The video game community lost a legend late Sunday night as Satoru Iwata, President of video game heavyweight Nintendo, passed away following a battle with a bile duct tumour.
Iwata was first named President of Nintendo in 2002, where he lead the development of some of the companies most popular platforms, including the Wii and the DS. Before leading the company, he had a successful career as a game programmer, contributing to games like Balloon Fight, Earthbound and Pokemon Gold and Silver.
Loved amongst gamers alike for his idealistic dedication to the industry, which he believed should focus on “fun for everyone” above all things, Iwata is credited by many as ushering in the greatest critical commercial and critical successes experienced by the company.
Enthusiasts and industry professionals alike took to social media following the news, expressing their grief at the loss of the life-long gamer.
Thank you for everything, Mr. Iwata.
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) July 13, 2015
Thank you, Iwata. pic.twitter.com/6p1thAxRaQ — Monstro (@MauriTheKiller) July 13, 2015
Iwata never stopped pushing for games to be for everyone. A tribute to a great visionary: http://t.co/MX0Ji79OtT pic.twitter.com/3zHFQWEBTv
— Keza MacDonald (@kezamacdonald) July 13, 2015
You will be missed…..Thank you Mr. Iwata pic.twitter.com/HSg2uo0urb — #RIPIwata (@SylveonGives) July 13, 2015
Of all the images I’ve seen regarding the loss of Mr. Iwata, this one got me the most. A moment of silence. pic.twitter.com/ostyhITY7L
— Peachi (@Peachibon) July 13, 2015
In remembrance of Mr. Satoru Iwata, Nintendo will not be posting on our social media channels today. pic.twitter.com/nnM1viLSNs — Nintendo of Europe (@NintendoEurope) July 13, 2015
Our condolences go to Mr. Iwata. He has been an inspiration, heading the Wii and DS launches. From KnapNok Games, RIP pic.twitter.com/ccfUKAIlf4
— KnapNok Games (@KnapNokGames) July 13, 2015
I always looked forward to Nintendo’s E3 event. Iwata’s playfulness and exuberance was infectious #ThankYouIwata pic.twitter.com/a2HoL5T41f — CEO Kaz Hirai (@KazHiraiCEO) July 13, 2015
#ThankYouIwata, for all the inspiration, fun, love and passion @lucyamorris http://t.co/DGj5OZDlQY pic.twitter.com/TRitaoY7WR
— Sonja van Vuure (@sipsapson) July 13, 2015
‘He created a whole culture’ Nintendo President Satoru Iwata dead at 55 http://t.co/SBaWcj0YhO pic.twitter.com/boD0o8rk5Q — The Province (@theprovince) July 13, 2015
Iwata has taken the Rainow Road to heaven. pic.twitter.com/9lth6LJVlC
— Super JeffTendo (@JeffMan1490) July 13, 2015
I was fortunate to interview Satoru Iwata a few times. My assessment of an extraordinary man: http://t.co/PjSixbLIo1 pic.twitter.com/LcG5hvDWO6 — Stephen Totilo (@stephentotilo) July 13, 2015
RIP Iwata you wonderful goof pic.twitter.com/KTKYZqj0Ab
— The Doof Worrier (@alex_navarro) July 13, 2015
Thank you for everything, Mr. Iwata pic.twitter.com/txY1tqgpJs — Red (@_MasterRED_) July 13, 2015
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