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[Currygan]

realized i can't function today, the shock is too big. this hit me hard. so immeasurably sad. see you all later

 

[Labrynian Rebel]

"If you do not grasp the importance of loved ones until after they are gone… That is simply too late." -Melia Antiqua

Rest In Peace Iwata, we'll be sending our prayers... direct to you

 

[binhoker]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=h5uVQKDdyKg

Sad day indeed. He really did seem to be a singular individual and we as a community are already poorer in his absence.

 

[Kinsei]

I can't stop crying over this. First time that's happened to me with a non family member

This is the second time for me, the first was Robin Williams.

Knowing someone that has brought you so much joy throughout your entire life is gone forever really hurts.

 

[March of the Crabs]

Reggie Fils-Aime:


http://www.benzinga.com/news/15/07/5667201/nintendos-reggie-fils-aime-on-satoru-iwata-he-always-challenged-us-to-push-forwar

Great quote. It just hit me how long Reggie and Iwata have been working together now. It's hard remembering a time where they weren't.

 

[NotDreamcast]

EarthBound creator Shigesato Itoi on Iwata’s passing

This really gets to me.

 

[Santiako]

I don't know if already posted, but NoA updated its press site with a more recent image of Mr. Iwata (this photo was taken on June 23 this year):

Man, he aged 10 years in this last year Poor guy.

 

[Lulu23]

Reading the news this morning after waking up I was shocked and a little sad, but I thought a person I didn't personally know passing wouldn't affect me that much.

Now I'm home from work and some time passed where it could sink in. I started to read this thread and was absolutely moved by everyone's condolences. Then I rembered how much freaking time I spent in front of my DS and Wii as a kid (only 19 now) and how much that helped me to escape when I was feeling shitty.

Thanks for bringing things like that into our world, Iwata-san. I'm sure you'll be remembered by millions of people.

 

[_machine]

...

I'm really gutted by the news, Iwata amongst other Nintendo staff have shaped my life in amazing ways and I owe a lot to them in pursuing a career in the industry. Kirby, Pokemon are experience and memories I will never shed and I am glad I have gotten to experience them. Couldn't stop tearing at watching his GDC Speech "Heart of a Gamer".

...Fuck you cancer.

 

[PhoenixWrong]

I was looking through this thread while working in the office today. Almost was caught with massive tear-shedding. Retreated to the bathroom.

Thank you, Iwata-san. Thank you for everything!

 

[Terrible_Majesty]

I just learned this, searching for something else relating to Mr. Iwata. Man, I am going to miss his laugh.

Aaah, I wonder if it's alright to admit this? Well, I guess the proverbial statute of limitations is up, so I'll tell you, but my actual last work on programming happened when I was working as the General Manager of Corporate Planning at Nintendo. Something happened and the Gamecube version of Super Smash Brothers didn't look like it was going to make its release date so I sort of did a code review for it (Wry Laugh).

At the time, I went to HAL Labs in Yamanashi and was the acting head of debugging. So, I did the code review, fixed some bugs, read the code and fixed more bugs, read the long bug report from Nintendo, figured out where the problem was and got people to fix those...all in all I spent about three weeks like that. And, because of that, the game made it out on time.
And that was the last time that I worked as an engineer 'in the field'. I was right there, sitting by programmers, in the trenches, reading code together, finding the bugs, and fixing them together. - Satoru Iwata

 

[goldsoundz]

Heard the news yesterday evening. This will be one of those deaths that I'll always remember what was happening at the time of my learning about it. He always seemed so genuine, and as he said he was a game lover at heart not some dude in a suit who pretended to care about the product. Genuine people at the highest level of leadership really don't exist in this industry, especially as of 24 hours ago. I can always count on a Nintendo game to put a smile on my face no matter what the situation is, and that fact is maybe the greatest part of this hobby we all enjoy so much at NeoGAF.

May Mr. Iwata rest in peace.

 

[Fireblend]

Also, I wonder if this video they had at E3 was sort of intended to be for Iwata as well. Seems fitting to show him how much of an impact the legacy he was tasked with continuing and expanding upon (and expand it he did) had on the world https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQkVUpbqEt0

 

[airjoca]

Thought this was wonderful, a bit from an Eurogamer article and a readers response:

There's a wonderful story about him patrolling the shop floor at Nintendo's Kyoto headquarters prior to the Wii U's release, being shown the line-up for the console's impending launch in his role as the company's president. He paused on Balloon Trip Breeze, a mini-game within Nintendo Land which paid tribute to Balloon Fight, the 1984 game on which Iwata acted as programmer. Noticing something wasn't quite right with the feel of the characters as they flapped their way across the screen, he astonished everyone present as he set about fixing it - the head of the company rolling his sleeves up and getting stuck into the code.

That's a clever story to include - the gamer that recognised how the control didn't feel right, the CEO who recognised the need to change the product, and the programmer that had the ability to do so.

 

[Santiako]

I just learned this, searching for something else relating to Mr. Iwata.

From all I've read, Iwata was an absolute master programmer and engineer.

 

[HUELEN10]

Anyone play Wario Ware: Smooth Moves?

9-Volt's stage starts with a broken Game & Watch and ends with Shop Manager Iwata.

 

[MADGAME]

...

I'm really gutted by the news, Iwata amongst other Nintendo staff have shaped my life in amazing ways and I owe a lot to them in pursuing a career in the industry. Kirby, Pokemon are experience and memories I will never shed and I am glad I have gotten to experience them. Couldn't stop tearing at watching his GDC Speech "Heart of a Gamer".

...Fuck you cancer.

I agree wholeheartedly. I have experienced many joyous moments as a direct result of his visions. Everyone has to go sometime, but his departure is way too soon and a result of a terrible condition.

 

[stuminus3]

Having a tough time trying to explain my grief to people "IRL". My wife kind of gets it but I think even she thinks it's odd that a middle aged man would be tearing up at the death of a Japanese man he didn't know that just happened to run some billion dollar international corporation.

Although I'm not part of the industry, my love and my passion for videogames is always something I've had to reconcile with the cynicism, the hostility and the toxicity that comes from being an enthusiast of any subculture. Saturo Iwata, regardless of (or even in spite of) his position at Nintendo, was a counter point to all of that. No matter who you are, your age, your race, colour or creed, gaming is something over which anyone and everyone should be able to connect and enjoy and love together. That was Saturo Iwata's message.

"Wii would like to play."

We really would.

Thank you, Mr Iwata.

 

[Pai Pai Master]

All my complaints about Nintendo's showing at E3 this year seem so petty now. Those guys had something far more important to deal with but they still put on the best show they could. I appreciate them so much more for it and am heartbroken that Iwata surely wanted to be there for his fans. Regardless of what they do as a business and publisher, Nintendo will always have a special place in my heart because they are genuinely good people doing good work to make others smile.

 

[Sn4ke_911]

Reggie comments on Iwata’s passing

“Mr. Iwata is gone, but it will be years before his impact on both Nintendo and the full video game industry will be fully appreciated. He was a strong leader for our company, and his attributes were clear to most everyone: Intelligence, creativity, curiosity and sense of humor. But for those of us fortunate enough to work closely with him, what will be remembered most were his mentorship and, especially, his friendship. He was a wonderful man. He always challenged us to push forward…to try the new…to upset paradigms—and most of all, to engage, excite and endear our fans. That work will continue uninterrupted.”

 

[Bossofman]

Someone should photoshop the 'gamer den' with Black Bunting. Yeah, you KNOW the one I mean.

 

[ElectricBlanketFire]

Thought this was wonderful, a bit from an Eurogamer article and a readers response:

My favorite game in Nintendo Land.

 

[jonno394]

Just about to finish my working day, and I find it strange that I've sat here all day, barely talking to anyone.. I've never been affected by a death of someone I didn't know before, be they musician, actor, footballer etc, but today, this has left me feeling somewhat empty.

It's a really strange sensation, and one I cannot fathom to explain :/ RIP Mr Iwata. I hope you knew how much happiness you helped bring to the lives of so many people, and I hope you didn't pass thinking you'd let us down after the backlash Nintendo received last month.

 

[Majine]

BBC News did a special kind of feature on Iwata and Chris Scully spoke about what Iwata was like and everything. Someone managed to capture it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyh14V74iew

Not sure if it was posted already. Thread moving fast.

She got his age wrong in the end. Oh well.

 

[Ahnez]

Thought this was wonderful, a bit from an Eurogamer article and a readers response:

Wow, that's incredible

 

[OminousShadow]

Hate to be a bother but would someone mind putting an Iwata ribbon on my avi as well?

I'm still in such disbelief that he's really gone. Here's to his legacy, may he live on in the hearts of his fans, colleagues, family and of course, Nintendo.

 

[Belfast]

And maybe the decision to use puppets for the E3 presentation wasn't just silliness after all...

 

[roytheone]

Don't worry man... Iwata made sure that the train mive in the right direction and we will benefit from him. I really feel the with NX he laid out the foundation for Nintendo to have a solid hardware and software eco system for the next decade.

I think we we will see Iwata being praised again when the NX is unveiled.... Shit probably will tear up once it's unveiled knowing it's theist system he worked on.

I don't fear for the directing Nintendo will go in now that Iwata is gone, it is more that I will miss out on Iwata announcing things in his typical, goofy way for a system I actually will own. Maybe it is a weird thing to be sad about, and I am sure his replacement will do fine, but still.....I will never watch a nintendo direct by Iwata, wondering what new games he will show me that I can look forward to playing on my Nintendo handheld

 

[Vena]

"That work will continue uninterrupted."

I love the sound of that. Iwata was such a strong leader, those who worked with him know his vision and efforts can't be deterred even after his passing. They'll make sure his legacy continues.

Man, to leave this world knowing others will carry on your vision and direction, as well as how many people you inspired must be a great way to go.

He's endeared and raised an entire company on his views.

The old guard at the top won't be able to break that easily or at all, I'd hope.

 

[Storm Kyleis]

EarthBound creator Shigesato Itoi on Iwata’s passing

This has been quoted a lot already, but it's fantastic.

 

[Bronetta]

I feel terrible right now... I told myself I wouldn't cry but I can't help it ;(

 

[Mad Season]

I'm contemplating calling Reggie to see if there is a more formal way to pay my respects, but perhaps they are taking the day off?

please stop. Let them grieve. You can also grieve in your own way. Any type of "paying respects" is enough. You don't need to harass them.

 

[Corleth the Fey]

Terribly sad news. This is the second time Mr Iwata has brought tears to my eyes. The first being the reveal of the 'at the time - now Wii' Revolution control pad (Wii-remote). It was clearly something very special that would change gaming from that moment forward - (For better or for worse depending on your waggle stance) and it really got to me then.

So there have been two pieces of cancer news in my house today - one sad - one happy.

First is the loss of Mr Iwata - the sad news.

The Second is that after testing positive for pre-cancerous cells and having a procedure to remove them - my girlfriend and mother of our beautiful boy is free of cancer.

I can't help thinking that Satoru took one for my team. Crazy,eh? Thank you for everything you beautiful man. [laughs]

 

[Foolworm]

Was reading through the thread and then THIS comes up on the playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idULzIIF950

Damn. RIP, and just when Nintendo was turning the corner too...

P.S. Can someone ribbonize my avatar such that it looks as if it's tied around the Pikmin's stalk? Please and thanks.

 

[pinkurocket]

KoreanDJ did a violin cover of Mario 64's credit music as tribute:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRD7tIl5vhg

Love this.

 

[Enthus]

I don't know if already posted, but NoA updated its press site with a more recent image of Mr. Iwata (this photo was taken on June 23 this year):

I kind of wish I hadn't seen this picture. The last year must have been terrible for him, but he continued working on his legacy at Nintendo and making sure the company's future was intact when he was gone.

 

[Omega Kirby]

You know what's sad? Even during these final days people still wanted him fired.


Waking up the next day and still can't believe this happened.

 

[Jonneh3003]

Have we had many quotes from business partners and third parties? Would like to see what Kamiya has to say about working with Iwata

 

[Storm Kyleis]

Hip Tanaka's tribute on Soundcloud.

https://soundcloud.com/hip_tanaka/dedicated-to-satoru-iwata

It's a Balloon Trip remix.

 

[SpaceDrake]

I'm curious if Japanese news programs are gonna report it. I wonder if NHK will.

Everyone will report on it to some degree; even with Big N's mild downward turn in the past few years, they're still one of Japan's largest and oldest entertainment companies, a cultural icon and a massive investment concern. Even for the rest of the world, this is earth-shaking news.

 

[Chaos17]

I can't stop crying over this. First time that's happened to me with a non family member

Same
It just show much Iwata impacted through all his directs and interviews.
I will miss him so much.

 

[NotLiquid]

Reggie Fils-Aime:


http://www.benzinga.com/news/15/07/5667201/nintendos-reggie-fils-aime-on-satoru-iwata-he-always-challenged-us-to-push-forwar

I have to wonder whether Reggie knew how bad Iwata's condition was and whether he had much time left.

It's great to see Nintendo continue standing strong.

 

[TheSuperSakura]

Thank you so much!

 

[perfectchaos007]

Wow RIP to Mr. Iwata

 

[Off-Kilter]

It's been nearly a day and I still can't believe it. And I was just rewatching the Nintendo digital event the other day. Heartbroken doesn't begin to describe me.

All these tweets, quotes, and especially fan art make me tear up all over again. The fact that he was a Nintendo guy is also a factor; there's something even sadder than usual about cutesy innocent characters like Kirby, Yoshi, Mario, and others expressing grief. And then there are the balloon pics. Internet, please.

Anyway, the man was and always will be one of my all time favorite people in this industry. His passion for his work and making sure Nintendo games are just plain fun and appealing to people of all kinds cannot be understated, and I'm happy to see all the posts from his peers reflecting such. Man, I can't believe we won't ever see him presenting a Nintendo Direct ever again. They were always a treat.

Thanks for everything and rest in peace Iwata-san

 

[cacildo]

Having a tough time trying to explain my grief to people "IRL". My wife kind of gets it but I think even she thinks it's odd that a middle aged man would be tearing up at the death of a Japanese man he didn't know that just happened to run some billion dollar international corporation.

Although I'm not part of the industry, my love and my passion for videogames is always something I've had to reconcile with the cynicism, the hostility and the toxicity that comes from being an enthusiast of any subculture. Saturo Iwata, regardless of (or even in spite of) his position at Nintendo, was a counter point to all of that. No matter who you are, your age, your race, colour or creed, gaming is something over which anyone and everyone should be able to connect and enjoy and love together. That was Saturo Iwata's message.

"Wii would like to play."

We really would.

Thank you, Mr Iwata.

I feel the same as you

 

[Chaos17]

You know what's sad? Even during these final days people still wanted him fired.


Waking up the next day and still can't believe this happened.

Yeah, I personally won't let anyone tarnish his image not after knowing he still worked hard with his terminal illness to please gamers until the end.

 

[Vampirolol]

May I ask why?

Evilore said that they are working on it.

I'm still shocked by the way. Like, Directs will never be the same, announcements, messages... everything will remind me of this legend.

 

[bearbomb]

Very sad day.

Weird to think that I would potentially be a different person if he had not done all he has.

 

[Rösti]

I'm currently rendering a small video as a tribute to Mr. Iwata. It features some of the art posted in this thread and a piece of music I found fitting.