“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 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, 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.
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
pic.twitter.com/TDBrzS4b9M— Aaron Greenberg (@aarongreenberg) July 13, 2015
Hoy los personajes de Nintendo se tiñen de negro. Descansa en paz Satoru Iwata pic.twitter.com/XN32yAzUlk— Akuo (@AkuoSay) 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
Thank you for all the wonderful memories. pic.twitter.com/7yN4L29UIJ— Alejandro Argandona (@Toshi_TNE) July 13, 2015
On to the next level, Satoru Iwata. Thank you for all you've done. RIP pic.twitter.com/wsESILf1Q3— Vsauce3 (@VsauceThree) July 13, 2015
Truer words have never been spoken. pic.twitter.com/K7r7Rjb45t— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) July 13, 2015
RIP Satoru #Iwata 1959-2015. I understand, my childhood hero. You didn't die, you just restarted the game #Nintendo pic.twitter.com/z27YvdRKo7— Alejandro Garçia (@DukeGarfito) July 13, 2015
An incredibly sad start to the week. RIP Satoru Iwata. You had the respect of a world of gamers, including all of us at Rare. #ThankYouIwata— Rare Ltd. (@RareLtd) July 13, 2015
Satoru Iwata got me into video games and changed my life forever, thank you. #satoruiwata #rip #ripiwatasatoru pic.twitter.com/cegHaOjKxR— Azzy (@AzzyLand) July 13, 2015
"Video games are meant to be just one thing. Fun. Fun for everyone." ~Satoru Iwata #ThankYouIwata pic.twitter.com/3jRLbBM4gz— Smirky (@smirkyb16) July 13, 2015
Again, rest in peace Satoru Iwata, he made me happy growing up with all these amazing consoles 😓🎮 pic.twitter.com/AgitwhzYHO— Funny Video Game (@FunnyVideoGame) July 13, 2015
😔 RIP #SatoruIwata Photo by nintendo #instagram pic.twitter.com/gyeLjiQCue— RockmebabyTV (@RockmebabyTV) July 13, 2015
