The entire video game industry is mourning the loss of Nintendo President and CEO Satoru Iwata. While his various health issues had been known, the severity was never fully understood, causing his death to come as a shock to many.
Legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto is among them today, with a statement he issued to IGN about his friend’s passing. Miyamoto stated “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.”
Miyamoto and Iwata were two of Nintendo’s most visible executives, appearing together in various Nintendo Directs, as well as at industry events. They, along with Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime would often visit E3 together, taking the stage to show off Nintendo’s latest games and systems. However, Iwata had been absent the last two years, citing health issues.
Miaymoto, along with Genyo Takeda will be running the company in Iwata’s absence until a permanent replacement can be established. Many are wondering who this new President might be, whether it will be a current Nintendo executive or someone from the outside. However, Nintendo, most likely out of respect for Mr. Iwata, have remained silent this morning.
UPDATE: Earthbound creator Shigesato Itoi issued the following statement, as translated here:
“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. Even still, 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.”
