As video game fans around the world honor and remember the late Nintendo President Satoru Iwata, employees at Nintendo of America in Redmond, Wash., are doing the same.
Iwata, who passed away on July 11 at the age of 55 due to a bile duct growth, became Nintendo’s president in 2002 and also assumed the CEO post of Redmond-based Nintendo of America in 2013. He was well-respected in the video game industry for his passion, leadership, and impact.
Nintendo of America employees dropped flowers at the company’s sign in Redmond, while the flag flew at half-staff on Monday.
#ThankYouMrIwata pic.twitter.com/XhRJyezltq
— Ed Murray (@WhatMeMurray) July 13, 2015
https://twitter.com/ramtower/status/620614040130228224
A quiet day at Nintendo of America. #ThankYouMrIwata pic.twitter.com/R037l0fPwH
— Ed Murray (@WhatMeMurray) July 13, 2015
Work was hard today. Black shirts—someone dressed as Ness. Quiet tears—loving memories shared. May you play forever in peace, Mr. Iwata. U_U
— Morgan Ritchie (@MorgRitchie) July 14, 2015
Fans showed their admiration and respect for Iwata elsewhere, from the Nintendo World Store in Manhattan to the Mario Kart 8 online community.
This is cool. pic.twitter.com/dF144tmRfB
— Daniel Vuckovic (@VOOK64) July 13, 2015
Polygon has a nice round-up of Iwata’s life and legacy here, while Cheezburger has some cool Iwata tributes. Many others shared thoughts on Twitter.
Sad day for Iwata-san’s family, friends, and gamers everywhere. His passion, creativity & leadership elevated our industry.
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) 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.
— Adam Boyes (@amboyes) 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
Speculation is underway as to who might replace Iwata at Nintendo, which has known only two other modern-day presidents. Replacing him will be incredibly difficult — Iwata led the company since 2002 and was the first president outside the Yamauchi family. He also led the introduction of the Wii and the Wii U and has been an outspoken opponent of mobile and social games and the freemium business model, even if the opinions were controversial at the time.