Satoru Iwata has been a hugely popular figure at Nintendo, having worked at closely linked HAL Laboratory before joining the Ninendo proper in 2000 and become its president in 2002. Lately, a great deal of that popularity has stemmed from his often lighthearted appearances as the host of the Nintendo Direct streams, in which he was regularly involved in the kinds of capers that saw a muppet of himself hosting this year’s E3 show.
However, it was just last year that he was forced to miss the 2014 E3 showcase through poor health, and despite surgery soon afterwards and being able returning to work, those health issues have recurred.
In a brief statement issued today, Nintendo have announced that president Satoru Iwata has passed away at the age of 55.
Nintendo Co., Ltd. deeply regrets to announce that President Satoru Iwata passed away on July 11, 2015 due to a bile duct growth.
He will be missed, and we would like to wish his family, friends and all those close to him our deepest condolences.
An outpouring of tributes and condolences have flooded the internet this morning from both his fans and his peers, with just a small selection from within the industry collected here:
In remembrance of Mr. Satoru Iwata, Nintendo will not be posting on our social media channels today. pic.twitter.com/N2kR0OKEXh
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) July 13, 2015
Nintendo's flag is of course at half-mast today pic.twitter.com/QpIJPK7bwB
— Dylan? (@dylancuthbert) July 13, 2015
Thank you for everything, Mr. Iwata.
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) July 13, 2015
ゲーム業界の発展に多大な貢献をされた岩田さんのご冥福をお祈りします。
— Shuhei Yoshida (@yosp) July 13, 2015
Translated: Iwata-san contributed to the development of the game industry significantly. We will pray for him and hope he rests in peace.
Sad day for Iwata-san’s family, friends, and gamers everywhere. His passion, creativity & leadership elevated our industry.
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) July 13, 2015
Please, I don't understand. #ThankYouIwata
— Notch (@notch) July 13, 2015
In my heart forever.http://t.co/w4cYNscXFy
— 神谷英樹 Hideki Kamiya (@PG_kamiya) July 13, 2015
Endless thanks and respect to Iwata-san. His talent and humor made the world a better place.
— Capcom USA (@CapcomUSA_) July 13, 2015
"On my business card, I am a corporate president. In my mind, I am a game developer. But in my heart, I am a gamer." – Iwata-san
— Bungie (@Bungie) July 13, 2015
— Aaron Greenberg ?? X019 ?? (@aarongreenberg) July 13, 2015
Really sad to hear about Iwata-san's passing today. As a fan of Nintendo since the NES, my heart goes out to his family, friends, & fans.
— ᴀᴅᴀᴍ ʙᴏʏᴇs (@amboyes) July 13, 2015
Loved Mr. Iwata's quote. President as title, game dev's mind, gamers heart. Where's the tissue, I need it. Honestly.
— Ken Lobb (@RealKLobb) July 13, 2015
https://twitter.com/zeldawilliams/status/620423322166136832
Ace-Michie
Terrible, unexpected news. He died too soon but left behind such a powerful legacy, that he will always be remembered.
My thoughts also go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.
Thank you, Mr Iwata for all that you have done for Nintendo and for all the incredible games you worked on. You were much more than a CEO to a company, you had passion and love for the work that you did and it showed.
Rest in Peace.
TSBonyman
I’m stunned and saddened by this news, may he rest in peace.
Light Liguria
Awesome person that brought so much happiness to millions of people, not only a Ceo but a talented programmer. gonna be missed by many gamers regardless of choice of platform.
Rest in peace, and may humanity one day blue shell the heck out of cancer.