Nintendo President, Satoru Iwata (55), died yesterday due to complications arising from a growth in his bile duct. Iwata missed E3 due to his condition and passed away yesterday. Iwata has been with Nintendo for more than 30 years. As president he saw Nintendo through some of the most amazing (success of the Wii) and dire (Wii U) times. Iwata is the man responsible for bringing you that pink round changling, Kirby, and many other forward thinking initiatives like the new mobile partnership with DeNA.

One thing I loved Iwata for was his approachable persona as Nintendo’s President. Iwata had a series called “Iwata Asks” where he would interview game developers. I encourage you to check out “Iwata Asks“. Iwata had a knack for having insightful and fun conversations with developers. I hope the new president will be able to take up the immense legacy that this man left behind.

Here’s to you Satoru Iwata! You will be missed.

– MK