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Satoru Iwata Has Passed Away

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I'm probably going to avoid work today and just play my Wii U.

It's difficult to describe why I'm this sad; I think it's because the Nintendo Directs and the Iwata Asks were clearly designed for us, the fans, and it was clear he took such joy in his work. One always got the sense, too, that he was a good man--a genuinely kind man. I can imagine, for example, Miyamoto going nuts with rage at someone, Iwata stepping in, and calming the situation.

This hits me hard, too, because the last vestiges of my video game interests are revitalized this generation with the Wii U, a system that flopped commercially, of course, but one that, not unlike the Dreamcast, has some of the very best games ever created on it. It's the gaming system I associate with joy--not just happiness. It's the one that makes me feel most like a child again.

Rest in peace, Mr. Iwata. You will be missed. Folks around here will be grieving for quite a time. It's a testament to your memory that this fickle, rapidly moving subculture has slowed down to recognize your contributions to their lives.

Great Post.

The best experience i have had this gen on any console has been on the Wii U.

Going through 3d worlds in co-op was really remarkable.
 

Kickz

Member
RIP player 1

oxcgn-metal-gear-11.jpg
 

DMiz

Member
So unexpected and almost unbelievable.

Iwata was a visionary and leaves behind a legacy that will not be forgotten. He will be missed. RIP.
 

Karkador

Banned
I really wonder, even more now, what went into Reggie's words at the end of that last E3 presentation, talking about big changes at Nintendo, and looking back to remember how to move forward.

I said it a month ago, but I feel like those closing comments were saying a lot more than it looked like. I wonder if they already knew by then.
 

mhayes86

Member
Never would I have thought that the passing of a company executive would bring a tear to my eye. It is because of the Nintendo directs and the way that Iwata always presented himself that it almost feels like I lost a friend. It is wonderful to see the gaming community coming together to express their condolences.

My thoughts go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and fans.
 

Ban Puncher

Member
uYwem6i.gif


If I even had an ounce of talent I would put a little halo above Iwata's head to make this a (sadly) 100% authentic homage.

And a stylised 'N' on Reggie's head too.
 

khaaan

Member
A pretty heartbreaking way to start my Monday morning. R.I.P Iwata, thank you for all the joy you helped bring to me and my family.
 

Mman235

Member
I didn't even know he was ill, and unlike most execs he always seemed genuine; people's anecdotes seem to consistently support that.

RIP :(
 

Hawk269

Member
Today is my birthday and my wife's birthday. The first thing I read today was of Iwata Sans passing. Very sad day and birthdays from here on out will feel differently for sure.

RIP Sir.
 

phanphare

Banned
asked in another thread but I wanted to play either Pokemon Gold/Silver or Heart Gold/Soul Silver

any recommendations as to which would be appreciated. it's a generation of Pokemon that I skipped so I know little about them.
 

Garlador

Member
There is nothing I could say that others haven't said already, and even that couldn't do justice to Mr. Iwata.

For us in particular, us here, us gamers, we beg and plead and cry out for corporate heads, the businessmen up top, to hear us, to treat us fairly, to respect us, to value us... and 99% of the time, they never do. They don't care about us, about their games... they're just a means to an end, a means to make money. We're so used to be taken advantage of, exploited, and disrespected time and time again by powerful people in charge of the things we all love and adore.

... But not Iwata.

He loved games. He loved making games. He loved promoting games. He loved gamers. Games weren't a means to an end; games were everything. They brought everyone - of all ages, all races, all genders - joy, laughter, and pure fun. That's what he was about, and took pride in it.

Through the highs and the lows, he cared deeply. He wasn't some business suit up top telling others what to do; he was in the trenches of gaming, always pushing, always innovating. He interviewed other developers to share their secrets and their creativity. He was always cheerful, even when it had to hurt, and he was always humble...

... My last memory of Iwata was him publicly apologizing for letting anyone down during Nintendo Direct E3 2015... That is my final, tragic memory of him.

... But it's also a testament to him. Because in an age where Randy Pitchford openly ridicules and dismisses those that complained about Aliens: Colonial Marines, where Bobby Kotick once claimed he sought to remove the fun in game making, where corporate giants talk up games-as-a-service, Mr. Iwata forever remained humble, sincere, and did his best to actually serve us.

We lost a gaming pioneer. The whole industry, from top to bottom, lost a man who helped shape the whole entire gaming landscape.

Nothing I wrote could do him justice. He'll be sorely missed... but because of his love and passion for gaming and gamers, he shall never, ever be forgotten.

Rest in peace, Mr. Iwata. We'll see you again one day over that Rainbow Road.
 

10k

Banned
The NX's final name should be the Iwata.

The Nintendo Iwata.

It won't happen but it would be an awesome tribute.
 

Boss Doggie

all my loli wolf companions are so moe
asked in another thread but I wanted to play either Pokemon Gold/Silver or Heart Gold/Soul Silver

any recommendations as to which would be appreciated. it's a generation of Pokemon that I skipped so I know little about them.

Well, it's GS that he actually coded, but HGSS is better.
 

ElTorro

I wanted to dominate the living room. Then I took an ESRAM in the knee.
This has surely been posted already, but this is one anecdote that really makes me respect the man.

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/125717-Satoru-Iwata-Refuses-to-Layoff-Nintendo-Employees

Satoru Iwata Refuses to Layoff Nintendo Employees

Nintendo's top dog says that layoffs may solve short-term financial woes, but are destructive to employee morale.

Nintendo isn't doing so well this generation. Despite this, president Satoru Iwata refuses to layoff staff members, stating that while it may solve short-term financial woes, the destructive effect on employee morale isn't worth it. "If we reduce the number of employees for better short-term financial results, employee morale will decrease," he told investors in a Q and A session.

Further justifying his reasoning, Iwata says "I sincerely doubt employees who fear that they may be laid off will be able to develop software titles that could impress people around the world." Sounds like a pretty solid boss who actually has his employee's bests interests at heart, if he refuses to give them the ax despite the company's struggling financials.

"I also know that some employers publicize their restructuring plan to improve their financial performance by letting a number of their employees go," Iwata explained, "but at Nintendo, employees make valuable contributions in their respective fields, so I believe that laying off a group of employees will not help to strengthen Nintendo's business in the long run."
 

no angel

Member
Some of these posts are reminding me of when Take That split up, I thought some people's reactions to that were weird then too.
 
I actually do worry a little about Nintendo now he's gone. Nothing dramatic, or nearly as large as the loss I feel, but it certainly will be lesser for his passing.

Some of these posts are reminding me of when Take That split up, I thought some people's reactions to that were weird then too.

Yes because this and Robbie Williams being a twat are exactly the same thing
 

Formless

Member
asked in another thread but I wanted to play either Pokemon Gold/Silver or Heart Gold/Soul Silver

any recommendations as to which would be appreciated. it's a generation of Pokemon that I skipped so I know little about them.

Unfortunately the remakes are more expensive and I've never played them. But I can speak for the old ones and they're my favorite Pokemon games.
 
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