Occasionally, when priorities and what's important gets lost, stories emerge that put a great deal into context. An account of a fan's lifelong health struggles and the hope he found in excitement for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a sobering one, and also a reminder of the important joys that gaming - and the kindness of strangers - can bring.
The gamer this relates to was Gabe Marcelo, a lifelong fan of The Legend of Zelda franchise who had suffered with a congenital heart condition since birth, one that became increasingly complicated and difficult to treat as he reached adulthood. It had a significant impact on his energy levels and mobility, and at different points in his life he connected with the franchise and its adventures. In 2016 he'd been desperate to play Breath of the Wild following its reveal, but it wasn't on show when he made his way to PAX Prime. As he followed the progress of the game's development he simply wanted to play it; sadly, his health continued to deteriorate.
His family, eager to get him a chance to play the game, contacted Nintendo of America but struggled to get their case noticed, possibly due to the sheer volume of correspondence the company receives. Gabe's older brother posted on Reddit, however, and the post took off; it was here that Nintendo of America learnt of his wish to play the game. The company got in touch and arranged for Gabe to visit the Nintendo of America offices, play the game and tour the building.
It's an incredibly touching story that speaks to generosity and of course Gabe's own determination. Sadly he passed away in mid-January, but that was after he was able to make his visit to Nintendo. It's a tough read, but you should read this post on Vice in which these events are covered in detail.
Gabe's mother and brother talk about his love for the series, his passion for Breath of the Wild and what its gameplay meant to him - the story highlights the importance of generosity of strangers online, staff at Nintendo and, of course, Gabe himself.
[source waypoint.vice.com]
Comments 47
Need to see more of these stories in this world that we live in today!
Sorry to hear he passed away
Prayers and condolences to the family.
Gosh...
Life is but a whisp of wind... here one moment, gone the next.
This is a good and sad story but It's I feel happy that his dream was at least partially fulfilled. Rest in Peace.
That's just horrible! Too sad! I'm glad that Nintendo gave him the opportunity to try the game out before he left us. God bless Gabe and his family!! Kudos to NOA for reaching out!!
A wonderful, yet sad story. The love and dedication of his family, the sheer kindness and awesomeness of those who work at Nintendo, and even the care of those on the internet...Just wow. Maybe there is still hope in this day and age.
It's a shame that most media prefers to focus on negative, controversial turmoil instead.
They should name one of the conference rooms or plazas in Gabe's honor. They went to all the trouble to grant his final wish, after all. It would also make a nice reminder of what Nintendo's purpose in existence is supposed to be, in the first place... To provide a means for people to explore and experience fantastic worlds that would otherwise be inaccessible.
@ThomasBW84 Fulfill*
I read the full linked article and I'm crying. I'm going to name Link Gabe any time I play BotW. Rest in peace, sir.
That's so beautiful. I'm happy that he got to play the game and that he got to see the amazing trailer from the Switch direct. Such an amazing tribute to the power of games.
Wow.... okay, that is a truly sad story, and at the same time, it shows a small glimmer of hope in the shape of letting us see what human effort is capable of, when put to good use.
I'm on the fence about reading the whole story, since being a highly empathic person, it would probably hit me more than I would like, but this synopsis over here is already more than enough to make me feel sad, so I'll leave the rest to others.
I wish massive amounts of strength to his family and friends so they can get through this awful time, and a big thumbs up to Nintendo for making this happen in time.
@PlywoodStick Both are correct, depending on your region.
In any case, I found this story incredibly touching when it popped up in my feed. It puts a lot into context.
Rather emotional. My condolences.
How horrible that he died. My condolences to the family. I'm so glad he got to fulfil that wish!
Reading things like this keeps you grounded. This man battled and fought as hard, if not harder, then I've ever had to. From childhood to grown man. And yet, he stayed positive and served to uplift the people around him.
Forget Zelda, The Legend of Gabe has been born.
@TheLobster It's a nice idea, but unfortunately you can't. Link's name is fixed in this game due to the voice acting.
@Agent721 great comment
@ThomasBW84
Yes, such as how lucky we are to have the freedom and ability to spend our time debating games. I only wished all in humanity were so lucky.
Thanks for sharing.
@scamander Dangit. Well I will find SOMETHING I can name Gabe and name that Gabe.
This is really devastating
He sounded like such a nice person...
At least he got to try the demo..
I was reading this earlier. Very sad news, puts everything into perspective.
We shall play it with him in our hearts.
Ugh man, that story is awful. No one deserves to die that young, and in such a slow and painful way. I couldn't imagine living life practically chained to a chair. It's a good reminder to be thankful for everything that we do have.
Nintendo is very protective of their brand. Honestly surprised they didn't let him play the Switch version. If you look at the Vice article, he's holding a Wii U gamepad
@TheLobster You can rename horses in it.
Sad but inspiring story. I'm sure he is having the time of his life now though being right next to Iwata-san himself! And his older brother can scan in the Wolf Link amiibo since I'm sure Gabe leveled it up in TP HD and in that way, play through BotW with his bro!
Here's to the Legend of Gabe!
Some faith in humanity has been restored.
How sad I hope the family is doing ok... Again a reason to love Ninty they do something like this and it's amazing... I had a tear in my eye reading this... It's dangerous to go alone Gabe take the power of the trifoce with you
So glad he got to visit Nintendo to check out the game. So sad that he didn't make it long enough to get to play that game at release. His story is truly sad. I hope his brother is able to play games and continue to enjoy them. I know his brother would want that but I admit for me it would be tough.
Good on Nintendo. The young man had a tragic life but at least he got a moment of happiness. That will always stay with his parents getting to see him happy, really happy, one last time.
Sad, man. Glad he got the chance to play the game before he left this world.
I click on the link and read the story so glad he got to play some of the game , made me think about how much I take for granted and how truly Nostalgic a company like Nintendo is to millions of people.
That was really sad, thankfully, he was able to fulfill part of his dream.. may he rest in peace now..
Just read this on Waypoint. You guys are a blog.
Such a sad story. Rest in peace!
R.I.P may you walk with the angels in Hyrule. The Legend of Gabe
A good reminder to appreciate all the little wonderful things in life, and to never take them for granted. Love the life you live.
My sincerest condolences to his family- I hope they know that Nintendo fans are as close to a big family community as it gets in terms of gaming. Always sad to lose a member.
So sad losing a loved one. My condolences to his family. Glad to know he was able to play the game before he passed though. Still, rest in peace, man.
"It's a difficult read."
I don't wanna. D:
Breath of the Wild also helped me to stop my suicide thoughts.
His name makes me think of Gabe the Dog, BTW. Sleep tight, pupper...
WHO IS CUTTING ONIONS
@G-Boy
that makes me so happy
I am happy that he still got to play the game, the demo at least.
Rest in peace Gabe.
@scamander You can work around that by replacing the name in the spoken text wiht 'hero' or 'you'
@khululy Well, they didn't.
@scamander hmm that's too bad.
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...