Today, anyone who has ever loved a Nintendo game or system mourns. President Satoru Iwata, who unfortunately was unable to attend E3 2015 on advice from his doctor, succumbed to a growth in his bile duct on July 11, 2015. He was an inspiration, a phenomenal programmer, the first president of the company to not be part of the Yamauchi family, and the sort of man who would willingly cut his own salary to help the company succeed and prevent layoffs.
In his 13 years with the company, Iwata did a bit of everything and was involved with many of its most iconic games. Kirby , EarthBound , Pokemon , Mario Kart , Smash Bros. , even something like Balloon Fight had his mark on it. As president, his input was critical in making the DS and Wii a success.
Even if you’ve never played a Nintendo game, Iwata’s influence has likely touched titles you do play and somehow made them better. This was a great man, a good man, who’s gone far before his time. Take a moment of silent, or perhaps play a Kirby game, for him today.
Source: Nintendo.co.jp