Gaming has lost one of its titans, and the industry is putting aside talk of exclusive downloadable content and co-marketing deals to remember a beloved leader.
Nintendo president Satoru Iwata died on Saturday. After the company announced his passing on Sunday, many of the top executives and game makers from around the world came out to share their sadness. This includes Nintendo competitors like Sony and Microsoft.
Iwata was a developer and a gamer. He was one of us. And you can see the importance of that from emotional outpouring.
Here’s what the industry had to say:
Microsoft
“In my heart, I am a gamer”. Thanks for all the amazing memories. #RIPIwata
— Xbox UK (@xboxuk) July 13, 2015
Sad day for Iwata-san’s family, friends, and gamers everywhere. His passion, creativity & leadership elevated our industry.
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) July 13, 2015
Just learned the sad news about Iwata-san, rest in peace, you will be missed. http://t.co/ESv35ZFOHy
— Aaron Greenberg ??♂️?U (@aarongreenberg) July 13, 2015
— Aaron Greenberg ??♂️?U (@aarongreenberg) July 13, 2015
An incredibly sad start to the week. RIP Satoru Iwata. You had the respect of a world of gamers, including all of us at Rare. #ThankYouIwata
— Rare Ltd. (@RareLtd) July 13, 2015
The game industry lost a giant with Mr. Iwata's passing. RIP.
— ID@Xbox (@ID_Xbox) July 13, 2015
Sony
Sony Computer Entertainment boss Shawn Layden provided GamesBeat with the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened by the news of Mr. Iwata’s passing. He contributed greatly to gaming through his leadership, vision, and commitment to delivering fun for everyone.
“On behalf of PlayStation, we’d like to extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Iwata’s family, friends, and everyone at Nintendo. We shall miss his passing for as long as there is gaming.”
Thank you for everything, Mr. Iwata.
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) July 13, 2015
ゲーム業界の発展に多大な貢献をされた岩田さんのご冥福をお祈りします。
— Shuhei Yoshida (@yosp) July 13, 2015
Really sad to hear about Iwata-san's passing today. As a fan of Nintendo since the NES, my heart goes out to his family, friends, & fans.
— ᴀᴅᴀᴍ ʙᴏʏᴇs (@amboyes) July 13, 2015
Developers and publishers around the world
Listening to the Gary Jules version of Mad World was a huge mistake this morning. You represent everything good and pure about games.
— notch (@notch) July 13, 2015
In memory – Satoru Iwata. #RIPIwata pic.twitter.com/C37qZLaOe6
— Michael Condrey (@MichaelCondrey) July 13, 2015
Thank you Mr Iwata. You will be greatly missed! #RIPIwata pic.twitter.com/UOkjdyUa0d
— KONAMI Europe (@konamieu) July 13, 2015
“On my business card, I am a president. In my mind, I am a game developer. But in my heart, I am a gamer.” #RIPIwata pic.twitter.com/cqejnpKeHy
— Playtonic (@PlaytonicGames) July 13, 2015
"Our deepest condolences & sympathies go out to Mr. Iwata’s family & everyone at Nintendo. He will be missed." – Yves Guillemot
— Ubisoft (@Ubisoft) July 13, 2015
We offer our sincere condolences at the loss of Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, and express our tremendous respect for his life and work.
— PlatinumGames Inc. (@platinumgames) July 13, 2015
RIP Iwata-san, we owe you much – you will be missed.
— Treyarch Studios (@Treyarch) July 13, 2015
"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." – Iwata-san
— Bungie (@Bungie) July 13, 2015
RIP, Mr. Iwata. Thanks for all the incredible fun and inspiration.
— Neil Druckmann (@Neil_Druckmann) July 13, 2015
Endless thanks and respect to Iwata-san. His talent and humor made the world a better place.
— Capcom USA (@CapcomUSA_) July 13, 2015
We are sincerely saddened to hear of the passing of Iwata-san. Our best to his family in their time of loss.
— Obsidian (@Obsidian) July 13, 2015
RIP Iwata-san. You will be missed
— John Smedley (@j_smedley) July 13, 2015
R.I.P. Iwata-san. I never met him. My all time favorite video game is "balloon fight". Thanks.… https://t.co/I5hKWu3DyC
— Hidetaka SWERY SueHERO (@Swery65) July 13, 2015
In my heart forever.http://t.co/w4cYNscXFy
— 無職 神谷英樹 Unemployed Hideki Kamiya (@HidekiKamiya_X) July 13, 2015
https://twitter.com/fourzerotwo/status/620384719155281920
Very sad to hear of the passing of Mr Iwata. Sympathies to his family, friends and Nintendo colleagues #RIPIwata
— Phil Harrison (@MrPhilHarrison) July 13, 2015
https://twitter.com/mikeBithell/status/620541005205512193
#ThankYouIwata for everything you gave to gamers pic.twitter.com/nE6Qe1vLEr
— Deep Silver UK (@DeepSilverUK) July 13, 2015
"In my heart, I am a gamer."
-Satoru Iwata#RIPIwata pic.twitter.com/mLbhTdSLaO
— MLG (@MLG) July 13, 2015
Thank you, Satoru Iwata. #RIPIwata pic.twitter.com/mGislXFpxm
— Bossa Games (@bossagames) July 13, 2015