Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata Passes Away

Iwata served as Nintendo’s President and CEO from 2002 to 2015

It’s a sad day for gamers all over the world after Nintendo announced that their President and CEO, Satoru Iwata passed away after a long battle with a tumor related illness.

The 55-year-old’s health was in the decline for quite a while and was forced to miss the E3 2014 due to his condition. The illness, caused by a tumor in his bile duct, was treated in 2014 and was thought to be a success after he resumed his duties after his recovery.

However, the tumor returned and ultimately led to his passing.

The Japanese was Nintendo’s fourth President and CEO, becoming the first person outside the Yamauchi family to take the reigns of the company. The broadcast of Nintendo Direct throughout the year was one of his first major decisions.

Iwata began his career with Hal Laboratory, where he worked on games such as Earthbound, Kirby andBalloon Fight while also assisting in the development of Pokemon Gold & Silver. The developer was promoted to the company’s president in the ‘90s before moving to Nintendo in 2000 where he became CEO two years later.

Iwata’s enormous contribution to the world of gaming will never be forgotten and has created a lasting legacy in the business.