Satoru Iwata, age 55, passed away on the 11th due to complications with a bile duct tumor, leaving behind a long-standing legacy of excellence in game programming and Nintendo - a company clawing its way back to profitability. Iwata's contributions to HAL Laboratory saved the company from its demise, and Iwata may have done the very same for Nintendo, pushing for platforms that appealed to all players. With the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS, the company grew to prosper once again, and despite a slump in the 3DS and Wii U generation, new interest has flourished with quirky titles and collectables that delight and engage multiple audiences. Regardless of Iwata's prowess as a leader, he leaves behind a lasting legacy with his involvement in Earthbound/MOTHER, Kirby, Pokémon, Zelda, Mario, and more. His humility, sense of humor, and gentle pride were pervasive, and led to great respect by all those who worked at his side. Noted to have contiunally put others before himself, Iwata stepped in on many programming projects at Nintendo, always after-hours and on his own time, to help the company achieve its goals, one notable example involving helping Super Smash Bros. Melee reach its target release date. Iwata's dedication, love for the industry, and understanding of those who played games worldwide, contributed to a successful life and leaves us as a well-loved man who was the first outside of Nintendo's Yamauchi bloodline to lead the helm.
This Friday at 7PM CDT, Insert Credit(s) Round 26 will air, discussing Iwata's life and contributions. Join us in our reflection of how Iwata and Nintendo have shaped our gaming experiences, and how that impacts us as aspiring Indie developers. Iwata, you are missed dearly and remembered with great fondness — thank you.
