Friends and Fans Pay Respect to Satoru Iwata

[Lizzy Finnegan]

Friends and Fans Pay Respect to Satoru Iwata

"In my heart, I am a gamer." - Satoru Iwata, 2005

Yesterday, the video game industry as a whole was turned upside down following the announcement of Satoru Iwata's passing [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/141536-Nintendo-President-Satoru-Iwata-Dies] over the weekend. Iwata-san, Nintendo's fourth President, was known for his love of games, his dedication to his company, his adoration of his fans, and not least of all, his laugh.

In March of 2005 Iwata-san delivered a keynote speech at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, and one quote in particular is plucking heartstrings once again today:

"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."

Many friends, fans, and admirers have shared their feelings on the sudden loss of one of the most inspirational leaders ever seen in video games.

In a statement obtained by IGN [http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/07/13/shigeru-miyamoto-releases-statement-on-satoru-iwatas-passing], Shigeru Miyamoto said "I am surprised at this sudden news and overcome with sadness. The entire development team at Nintendo will remain committed to our development policy which Mr. Iwata and we have been constructing together and to yield the development results which Mr. Iwata would appreciate."

Flags from Nintendo's Headquarters to the Mushroom Kingdom are being flown at half-mast, and the official Nintendo Twitter accounts have announced that they will be taking a day of silence in honor of his memory.

[tweet t=https://twitter.com/nochi0079/status/620410389495296000]

[tweet t=https://twitter.com/aarongreenberg/status/620468176023715840]

Here are some of the beautiful tributes to Satoru Iwata. Warning: you will feel feelings.

[tweet t=https://twitter.com/AkuoSay/status/620408726386798592]

[tweet t=https://twitter.com/Bungie/status/620397373324308480]

[tweet t=https://twitter.com/that4thWiseman/status/620581068727545856/photo/1]

[tweet t=https://twitter.com/Toshi_TNE/status/620392273411309568]

[tweet t=https://twitter.com/VsauceThree/status/620398648371757056]

[tweet t=https://twitter.com/stillgray/status/620389655423291392]

[tweet t=https://twitter.com/DukeGarfito/status/620432888731934720]

[tweet t=https://twitter.com/RareLtd/status/620532581130371072]

[tweet t=https://twitter.com/AzzyLand/status/620446555598888960]

[tweet t=https://twitter.com/smirkyb16/status/620434034192072704]

[tweet t=https://twitter.com/FunnyVideoGame/status/620457721226096640]

[tweet t=https://twitter.com/RockmebabyTV/status/620449116137594880]

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[AidoZonkey]

[tweet t=https://twitter.com/smirkyb16/status/620434034192072704]

Oh damn it I thought I was done crying today but that kirby pic. Its really touching though to see so many people mourn the loss of a great man though. I for one really do want to try my best to be as inspirational as he is one day, but for now, thank you Iwata

 

[Headsprouter]

I'm not even a huge Nintendo fan outside of Pokemon, but he probably helped out with that more than I realise. I heard from one place that he helped fit all of gold and silver onto a GBC cart, so that day my brother got crystal and I got silver and we had to swap consoles (he only had the game boy pocket, I had colour, for which crystal was exclusive) I have him to thank for making it possible for us to start our journey at the same time. Likely dodged some brotherly squabbles too.

He will be missed.

 

[RJ 17]

Damnit, that pic of all the main franchise characters looking sad in funeral attire got me primed, then that Kirby pic got the tears flowing.

Now everyone here at work is wondering why I'm crying. xP

 

[Rad Party God]

That first pic of Zelda grabbing on Link and everyone else mourning, just...

That really got me :'(

 

[Xeros]

That Kirby picture just ...that cuts deep.

 

[Aerosteam]

And that's twice now I've cried today.

 

[EndlessSporadic]

And people only thank him after he dies...

While this saddens me I do hope that Nintendo will move into the present and start changing some of their policies to be a bit more consumer friendly.

 

[tzimize]

And people only thank him after he dies...

While this saddens me I do hope that Nintendo will move into the present and start changing some of their policies to be a bit more consumer friendly.

Yeah, this really ticks me off too. Everytime some cultural giant or some other kind of giant dies...everyone is up in arms praising them...I think I'm gonna try to have my own funeral a week in advance or something. Would be nice to have something heartwarming said while you can actually enjoy it.

 

[disgruntledgamer]

Anyone know what he died of yet?

 

[marioandsonic]

Anyone know what he died of yet?

Some kind of growth in his bile duct, from what I've read.

Man, fuck cancer.

 

[FPLOON]

And people only thank him after he dies...

...and then they would all metaphorically listen to Eminem's When I'm Gone afterwards...

OT: To paraphrase a favorite song of mine:I wanna Thank You [Iwata]
For being my everything
I wanna Thank You so from the bottom of my soul
When there's a darkness you're like sunshineAnd yet, my tears are [still] sad to show themselves...