Update:
Nintendo of Europe has also issued a statement from regional President Satoru Shibata:
Nintendo of Europe is today mourning the passing of Mr Satoru Iwata, Nintendo's Global President. It is difficult to put into words the sadness we feel at this time. Mr Iwata was a strong leader, a unique figure in the gaming industry and an important part of Nintendo's history. He was a visionary in every sense of the word and we will miss him dearly. Just as Mr Iwata challenged us to always push forward, we will ensure his legacy lives on through our ongoing work to always surprise and delight our fans. At this time our thoughts are with his family.
Original Article:
Following the passing of Satoru Iwata on 11th July, Shigeru Miyamoto has issued a statement with regards to the loss. It is the only official statement - at the time of writing - from Nintendo Japan beyond its formal notification, and Miyamoto-san shared his feelings of loss and a key message around Nintendo's future.
The following was passed to Eurogamer:
I am truly surprised and saddened by this unexpected news.
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.
Satoru Iwata and Shigeru Miyamoto appeared to have a strong working relationship, and below is their memorable 'Luigi Bros.' skit from 2013.
[source eurogamer.net]
Comments (49)
He is truly going to be missed.
I'm sure Mr. Iwata was a friend and dearly respected boss no matter where you work within Nintendo. Will surely be some quiet and reflective moods amongst staff at the big N.
We as nintendo long term fans owe so much to #SatoruIwata because he help @Nintendo be on top with #DS & #Wii
This news is still so surreal and unexpected to me. Definitely the saddest morning I've had in my life so far... I also worry about Nintendo's future.
I'm sure Mr Takeda and Mr Miyamoto can hold the fort while a new CEO is found.
Now it became clear why Mr Iwata wasn't presenting the last Nintendo Direct and why Nintendo uses Jim Henson's Muppet for the E3 show.
I really gotta go to work. But I can't, I just can't. I'm still stunned.
@Olaf I feel ya buddy......I too got to go to work but I don't feel like it.
@Olaf I feel you bro.... I too got to get to work but I don't feel like it......
As soon as I first saw the news on Nintendolife, I knew it wasn't fake before even clicking on the article because it really isn't something to troll about. I am very shocked
Man, this news hit really hard. I go onto YouTube and check out my subscriptions. I saw 2 videos, one from Gamexplain and another from Yoshiller. They were both titled 'Thank You Iwata.' My intital reaction was that Iwata stepped down as president of Nintendo and retired because of health related issues. Then I saw another video from Gamexplain that stated that Mr Iwata had passed away. When I saw that, my heart sank and I felt like finding a corner and crying. R.I.P Mr Iwata. The world has lost a kind hearted man and the world will now be regretting it...
I might not have always agreed with his policies, but he was truly an innovator who loved his job and bringing joy to millions of people. A CEO who brought his personality, heart, and soul into an industry where the top brass is usually pretty stuffy. A glass was raised in your honor last night sir.
@Olaf I was at work when I heard the news. I wanted to punch my friend cause he kept saying that and I thought he was joking. but wow this was such a big hit in the heart
I wonder if miyamoto will become the next CEO he's the only guy I know of there stubborn enough and with enough clout to stick to his guns for better or worse.
I was crying all night damnit tears stop
Sigh... still can't believe Iwata's gone. Sad times...
What a cool guy he was. Will miss him
I couldn't pull myself together enough to work on my projects so I just played Earthbound all night instead. All the post and drawings on Miiverse keep getting to me as well. 'Tis truly a sad time right now.
@DinoFett ditto but I imagine the new CEO will be revealed in the next investor meeting. Miyamoto and takeda are too old for long term
I've stayed up reading comments and articles on Iwata through the night. It's strangely heavy news to me and so many others who only know Iwata through Nintendo's various PR where he was featured. Quite the impression he had made on so many within such small windows, that's for sure.
I'll miss him. Dear Mr Iwata san
Taken from us too young, I'll miss the man that brought me back to console gaming with the Wii. The Ninty CEO that I 'knew' the most about through directs and E3, something I didn't experience back in the NES and SNES eras.
This is really sad, but who will take his place?
Still cant believe this is happening. Rest in piece iwata. For all the hard work you have done, i really hope it paid off, im sure it did. You will always live on in our hearts.
Thanks for everything. Such a shame to see him going so soon.
holy mackrel!! Just heard the news 5 mins ago!! Shell shocked! 😱😱😱 knew he had Heath issues but...so sudden!
Although I have always been a detractor to his leadership of Nintendo, today I tip my cap in remembrance of a man who gave his everything for the company we all care so dearly for. RIP Satoru
We were all saddened and surprised, Mr. Miyamoto. Thank you for introducing us to the Wii and DS families, amiibo, success, amazing games, and more, Mr. Iwata.
So many times I've read an interview or press release from the spouse/best friend/business partner of 30 years who has just lost their other half. It's always tragic news, or this difficult time.
I'd forgive them if their message HOLY ;ASJDGLSIGH I'M DRUNK AND IN TEARS ASK ME TOMORROW
R.I.P. Mr Iwata. You may be gone, but your legacy lives on. Consoles would not be where they are today, had it not been for your vision and innovation.
We will never be able to repay the debt we owe Mr Iwata, but maybe, just maybe, all the crap about which console is the best can stop, and we can just enjoy great games. I am sure that is what he would have wanted.
I may not have agreed with everything he said and did, but throughout my working life, his innovations, and Nintendo as a whole, saw me through the worst times in my life, and my friends. For that Mr Iwata, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thpughts are with your family and friends.
What of the Iwata muppet now that real Iwata is gone? At least he made his mark on history in a way only he could... with innovations and orIginla ideas. He will be dearly missed... as tribute, I suggest we go onto any of our gaming social media sites an send out our message... that Iwata is gone, and Nintendo/Gaming will never be the same...
@akaDv8R
amen...
Still can't believe he's gone...Nintendo will obviously be getting a new president, but nobody will be able to replace him .
Can't believe it...
RIP Iwata.
I'm glad he left Nintendo on good terms. Despite the incredibly difficult times he STILL left Nintendo with a healthy profit his last year. He will be remembered as a man who could turn any situation into a positive, nomatter what the odds.
R.I.P Mr Satoru Iwata
Whistles and flutes,
Warpzones and Vines
Take pixels away
to Fields, Worlds and Lands.
Secrets and Glitches
powerups and rupies
Executive Producer of
Endless treasures.
Thanks Mr Iwata.
A great loss to anyone that has ever picked up a Nintendo controller and lost themselves in the magic.
Mr. Iwata couldn't handle the angry fans after the E3 event ... it was to much.
Wow, even Miyamoto didn't see it coming. At first I kind of wondered why Nintendo wouldn't have transitioned him out like Steve Jobs when he was dying, and I felt almost lied to that they didn't give us any sign this was coming after being so forthright about his initial medical problems, but I guess really no one knew.
Can't bring myself to watch the video right now, this sadness... it's too much.
@Olaf "Same here. I dont even want to be online today cuz every time I reading about Iwata I get really sad. T_T
Funny how without ever meeting the man, I've gotten to know him through his work. Hearing we've lost the CEO, it feels more like hearing we've lot that beloved friend. Amazing how impactful that can be.
I'm going to read all the Iwata Asks that I missed.
@mushroomer what is that meant to be?
Feels impossible ~
@DESS-M-8 i made up a poem on the spot.. for Mr Iwata.
@mushroomer it didn't rhyme?
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