Satoru Iwata
Image: Nintendo

It's been more than a year since Satoru Iwata sadly passed away, leaving behind an enviable legacy in the video game arena. However, his influence is still being felt in one of Nintendo's more recent successes, Pokémon GO.

Iwata was the in charge when the bold choice was made to expand Nintendo's business into the mobile phone sector, and while Pokémon GO isn't wholly a Nintendo venture - The Pokémon Company and Niantic are arguably more heavily involved here - it would seem that he had quite a bit of input into development before his passing.

Japanese business site Nikkei is reporting that Iwata working closely on Pokémon GO during the initial planning stages - even during his final moments, confined to a hospital bed - and used his laptop to exchange views and feedback with Pokémon Company president Tsunekazu Ishihara.

According to an unnamed executive at a game company who knew Iwata well, the app's free-to-play nature and pressure-free IAP system suggests that Iwata's influence is pretty strong, even on the final game:

Children can enjoy 'Pokemon Go' without spending too much money. This is probably what Iwata-san aimed for.

It's a shame that Iwata didn't live to see the incredible success of Pokémon GO, but its popularity is a fitting tribute to the great man and proves that he continues to touch the lives of millions, even in death.

[source asia.nikkei.com, via gonintendo.com]