
It's possible you've seen the advert on these pages, or read about it plenty of times, and like this writer you may have a hardback copy of Ask Iwata: Words of Wisdom from Satoru Iwata, Nintendo's Legendary CEO on the way. While the book is out fully in some territories, in the UK (for example) the physical edition doesn't actually arrive until late May. However, it's worth noting that it's actually available today in lots of countries as an Amazon Kindle eBook, and is currently a fair bit less expensive than the hardback.
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Many reading this will have a huge admiration and fondness for Iwata-san, he was a company executive that transcended the role to become a hero in the industry. What shone through, in his videos, Iwata Asks articles and in the remarks of those that knew him, is that he had many gifts and talents. He was a prodigious game developer on a technical level, able to 'fix' and rescue projects like Earthbound through that technical wizardry. Yet he combined that with empathy, compassion and a desire to enable everyone to achieve their best, be valued and most of all to be happy.
We have just started to read the book - published by VIZ Media - but will share a quote each from Itoi-san and Shigeru Miyamoto on what made Satoru Iwata special. As for what makes the book a worthwhile read, not only do those who were close to Iwata-san write about him, but large parts are the former CEO's own words on his worldview, business philosophy, video games and much more besides. We can't wait to read it cover to cover.
Shigesato Itoi
Most of what he had to say involved happiness.
I realized he’d been saying this kind of thing the whole time. He was the sort of person who wanted to make everybody happy. He wanted to be happy, like he wanted his friends to be happy and his customers to be happy. I think I told him that I liked how he used the English word “happy,” though he pronounced it like a Japanese word whenever he said it. I shared his sentiment completely and was so thrilled to hear him say these things.
This part of the memory is so goofy that I hesitate to mention it, but every time Iwata said the word “happy,” he spread his fingers wide, like he was smiling with both hands. I’ll never forget that about him.
Shigeru Miyamoto
Iwata may have passed on, but the company is going strong. Thanks to all the ideas and systems that he left behind, our young hires have been able to thrive. What makes me sad is that if I have a crazy idea over the weekend, there isn’t anybody I can tell about it on Monday morning.
When I’m eating lunch, he isn’t there to say, “I think I’ve figured out your problem,” which leaves me feeling stuck sometimes. I really miss him.
Comments 33
I'd buy it at the first chance, this guy was a real interesting and remarkable person, to say the least.
Those quotes... wow
i'm not crying, you're crying!
I'm actually thinking about trying to get this, Iwata was so cool, very sad that we've lost him
I do need to take the time and finish reading this.
Got my pre-order in at RightStuf with some other pre-orders, so I have no idea when they'll all be ready and arriving. But I'm looking forward to it.
Totally forgot about this. Definitely will make time for it. Though I enjoy watching Nintendo Directs they’ve never been the same since Iwata’s passing. One of the few people in the game industry that I idolize.
Sorry, but as per my games, Physical is so much better
I got my copy of the book, can’t wait to check it out.
Ask Iwata : Why are 3DS, Wii U and Wii region lock ?
@Anti-Matter
Ask Anti-Matter: Why are you such a disrespectful git?
@Anti-Matter -_-
dude.
I do want to get this book, maybe next week.
I preordered mine, should be coming in any day now!
I watched the Nintendo documentary on Crackle, and while it had its good moments, it's a shame they dedicated over an hour talking about Yamauchi while spending maybe two minutes on Iwata.
Yeah I can't NOT order this.
I must have read every single Iwata Asks that went online multiple times back in the day. [laughs] [sniffles]
Been wanting this since it was first announced a few years ago and had it on preorder from August. Something as special as this, definitely deserves splashing on the physical copy.
@Anti-Matter so that hackers can make mod chips and mods.
This line sorta chokes me up a lot, "When I’m eating lunch, he isn’t there to say, 'I think I’ve figured out your problem,' which leaves me feeling stuck sometimes. I really miss him."
That's so sad...
I’ll order this later today, just got back into reading books a few weeks ago so this is perfect timing!
My copy was just delivered!! Can't wait to get into it!
The heart and soul of the corporative side of the company left with him and Reggie, I miss him.
I just bought the hard copy on Amazon. Thanks gor the heads up.
@Anti-Matter Really distasteful comment.
"Please understand" If only i could hear him say it again in a Nintendo direct.
Iwata was the heart and soul of Nintendo. Someone who really fostered creativity. Look at the list of games Nintendo funded while he was in charge. Everything from Sin and Punishment 2, Pandora's Tower, Endless Ocean to Project Zero Maiden of Blackwater. So much variety.
The Iwata asks segments were great, having a former developer interview other developers was a great format. Gave you a chance to see behind the curtain.
And of course
Iwata: Laughs
I preordered this book a looong time ago. Can't wait to read it. Hearing about this man always brings a smile to my face.
I picked this up from Barnes and Noble today. Surprisingly, it was in the business section. It is a lovely hardcover with such a beautiful design. I am excited to read it, but I am sure some tears will be shed.
it was really sad to see him go early, there was so much more he wanted to do for us all. im glad he meant so much to his friends
Had to import this but I'm very excited to finally read it. Nintendo doesn't feel quite as 'Nintendo' since he left us.
@Pod Yeah I can't NOT order this.
You can use a double negative though.
@Crono1973
Thanks, I was unsure if I gave myself too much freedom there. :v
@Zyph
I was curious about Wii, Wii U and 3DS lock region situation.
Why did swearing at me ?? 🤨
@Goat_FromBOTW Fun for everyone ^^
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