Statements from Miyamoto and others about the passing of Satoru Iwata

As a rainbow appeared over the Japanese headquarters of Nintendo, Shigeru Miyamoto told IGN of his feelings about the passing of long-time friend and Nintendo president Satoru Iwata.

“I am surprised at this sudden news and overcome with sadness. The entire development team at Nintendo will remain committed to our development policy which Mr. Iwata and we have been constructing together and to yield the development results which Mr. Iwata would appreciate,” said Mario creator Miyamoto.

For the time being, Genyo Takeda and Shigeru Miyamoto will be responsible for the company until it chooses a permanent president.

Satoru Shibata, Nintendo of Europe president, mentioned: “It is difficult to put into words the sadness we feel at this time. Mr. Iwata was a strong leader, a unique figure in the gaming industry and an important part of Nintendo’s history. He was a visionary in every sense of the word and we will miss him dearly. Just as Mr. Iwata challenged us to always push forward, we will ensure his legacy lives on through our ongoing work to always surprise and delight our fans. At this time our thoughts are with his family.”

Both Takeda and Miyamoto were not the only ones who share their thoughts:

Michael D. Gallagher, President and CEO of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA):
“Iwata-san’s passing affects us all deeply. He was a true visionary who expanded our understanding of the amazing art of video games. We offer our condolences to his family, friends, and Nintendo colleagues.”

Ken Kutaragi, Former Head of Sony Computer Entertainment:
“I am at a loss for words. I pay my respects to the extraordinary leadership of President Iwata, who truly loved games and powerfully showed the way for our industry.”

Reggie Fils-Aime, President of Nintendo of America (via IGN):
“Mr. Iwata is gone, but it will be years before his impact on both Nintendo and the full video game industry will be fully appreciated. He was a strong leader for our company, and his attributes were clear to most everyone: Intelligence, creativity, curiosity and sense of humor. But for those of us fortunate enough to work closely with him, what will be remembered most were his mentorship and, especially, his friendship. He was a wonderful man. He always challenged us to push forward…to try the new…to upset paradigms—and most of all, to engage, excite and endear our fans. That work will continue uninterrupted.”

Masahiro Sakurai, creator of Super Smash Bros.
“This isn’t a regular day, and my mental state isn’t regular, either, but I’m going to work as usual, and like always, I’m throwing myself into (game) development. This was also the situation for Iwata-san. Doing what you need to do.”

ふつうではない日、ふつうではない心境ですが、ふつうに出社し、ふつうに開発に打ち込んでいます。それが岩田さんのためでもありますしね。なすべきことをします。

— 桜井政博 / Masahiro Sakurai (@Sora_Sakurai) July 13, 2015

.@Sora_Sakurai …summaries and proposals. I thought that he was the best possible leader. I pray for his happiness in the next world.

— Cheesemeister (@Cheesemeister3k) July 13, 2015

Larry Hryb, aka Major Nelson, Microsoft
“I had the chance to meet Iwata-san at E3 one year, and he was such a gentleman as I fan boyed out. Today the industry lost a huge force.”

I had the chance to meet Iwata-san at E3 one year, and he was such a gentleman as I fan boyed out. Today the industry lost a huge force.

— Larry Hryb (@majornelson) July 13, 2015

Yoshinori Ono, Capcom
“I pray for Iwata-san happiness in the next life.”

I pray for Iwata-san happiness in the next life. picture from https://t.co/xa3kITIjzi https://t.co/UO3Sa4DWCo

— Yoshinori Ono (@Yoshi_OnoChin) July 13, 2015

Shigesato Itoi, Creator of Earthbound:
“No matter the farewell, I think the most appropriate thing to say is “we”ll meet again.” We are friends so we”ll see each other again. There is nothing strange about saying it. Yeah. We’ll meet again. Even if you didn’t have the chance to put into words how sudden it was going to be, how far you’d be traveling, or how you went much earlier than expected, I know you went wearing your best. You always put yourself second to others no matter what, helping anyone who needed it whenever they needed it. You were that kind of friend. Although you may have been a little selfish for the first time ever by taking this journey. The truth is though that I still don’t believe any of it. I feel like I am going to receive a message from you inviting me out to eat at any moment. I wouldn’t mind if you were to ask me like always if I had some free time. If you did, I’d ask you as well. Still, “we’ll meet again.” It would be great to hear from you whenever and wherever; I’ll being calling to you too. I’ll call if I have something to discuss or I want to tell you a great new idea I’ve had. We’ll meet again. Then again, you’re here with me now.”

Let’s not forget this one from the man himself, Satoru Iwata:
“On my business card, I am a corporate president. In my mind, I am a game developer. But in my heart, I am a gamer.”