Satoru Iwata wasn’t just a successful president of Nintendo, he was one of the most popular public figures in video games. Following his sad passing over the weekend, notable members of the industry (and beyond) have been paying tribute.
The first Tweet below shows the flags at Nintendo’s HQ being flown at half-mast.
任天堂本社前です。岩田社長が亡くなられたということで半旗が掲げられていました。マスコミの姿も無く、ひっそりとしています。改めてご冥福をお祈りいたします。 pic.twitter.com/mSP1Z93BCM
— NOCHI (@nochi0079) July 13, 2015
“Tribute to Mr. Iwata”, Brawl in the Family.
ふつうではない日、ふつうではない心境ですが、ふつうに出社し、ふつうに開発に打ち込んでいます。それが岩田さんのためでもありますしね。なすべきことをします。
— 桜井 政博 / Masahiro Sakurai (@Sora_Sakurai) July 13, 2015
That’s Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai. It says “This isn’t a regular day, and my mental state isn’t regular, either, but I’m going to work as usual, and like always, I’m throwing myself into (game) development. This was also the situation for Iwata-san. Doing what you need to do.”
Thank you for everything, Mr. Iwata.
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) July 13, 2015
https://twitter.com/minliangtan/status/620404104028753920
RIP Iwata-san, we owe you much – you will be missed.
— Treyarch Studios (@Treyarch) July 13, 2015
RIP, Mr. Iwata. Thanks for all the incredible fun and inspiration.
— Neil Druckmann (@Neil_Druckmann) July 13, 2015
In my heart forever.http://t.co/w4cYNscXFy
— 無職 神谷英樹 Unemployed Hideki Kamiya (@HidekiKamiya_X) July 13, 2015
https://twitter.com/Babylonian/status/620384833785573376
https://twitter.com/fourzerotwo/status/620384719155281920
I am beyond heartbroken to hear about the passing of my friend Satoru Iwata. He was a gamer, a developer and a champion for our medium. RIP
— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) July 13, 2015
Mr. Iwata cared about Nintendo. He lived for Nintendo. Times were tough, he cut his pay in HALF. “Iwata Asks” should be a book.
— Mike Drucker (@MikeDrucker) July 13, 2015
Hoy los personajes de Nintendo se tiñen de negro. Descansa en paz Satoru Iwata pic.twitter.com/XN32yAzUlk
— Akuo (@AkuoArt) 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
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
I’m at a loss upon hearing this immensely tragic news. Rest in peace, Satoru Iwata. The worldwide gaming community mourns.
— Tyler Malka (@NeoGAF) July 13, 2015
Nintendo’s president, Satoru Iwata, has passed away. The man was incredible: humble, funny and a true leader. pic.twitter.com/vJkhoyA83t
— Nintendo Force Magazine (@NintendoForce) July 13, 2015
We are sincerely saddened to hear of the passing of Iwata-san. Our best to his family in their time of loss.
— Obsidian (@Obsidian) 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
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
I had the chance to meet Iwata-san at E3 one year, and he was such a gentleman as I fan boyed out. Today the industry lost a huge force. 😞
— Larry Hryb, Gamer Emeritus 📱⌨️🖱️🎮 (@majornelson) July 13, 2015
https://twitter.com/Nibellion/status/620402812384473089
https://twitter.com/zeldawilliams/status/620423322166136832
https://twitter.com/namgoreng/status/620425040706703360
https://twitter.com/HollanderCooper/status/620413731592273920
Sad day. Satoru Iwata has passed. I was lucky enough to be interviewed by him. He knew way more about dev than me. https://t.co/E9YRqPjfXe
— Warren Spector (@Warren_Spector) July 13, 2015
“Video games are meant to be just one thing. Fun. Fun for everyone!” – Satoru Iwata #ThankYouIwata pic.twitter.com/XfeR7iYowA
— E3 (@E3) July 13, 2015
Tributes have also been coming in on Nintendo’s own Miiverse:
Comments
8 responses to “The Video Game Community Pays Tribute To Satoru Iwata”
There’s also an awesome story on gaf from someone who got a response from Iwata via Streetpass that she gave to her husband when he went into work. Because she always wanted to meet him but could never.
I’d love a remake of Mother 1, 2, 3 and 4 (new game) for Wii U and 3DS dedicated to Iwata San?
Oh god, that brawl in the family image totally nailed me!
Meanwhile in the original Mario Bros. game, the flag only goes up half way before Mario puts his hand on his chest and looks at the sky.
This is brilliant! Thankyou for that memory! Great observation and point!
Ow my throat.
Damn. Too young. Much too young.
This is shocking news. I couldn’t believe it when I looked at my phone this afternoon and it’s still hard to grasp now. 55 is just cruel and way too young
Rest in peace.