Nintendo’s President And CEO Satoru Iwata Dies At 55

Nintendo has announced (PDF) that its President and CEO, Satoru Iwata, has died as the result of bile duct growth. He was 55.

Iwata was one of the best-known faces of Nintendo, and his history is rich with highlights. He first joined HAL Laboratory in 1983 and helped create such classics as Balloon Fight and EarthBound, and even some Kirby titles. In 1993, he was promoted to president of HAL, and in 2000, he joined Nintendo as a director. It didn’t take long for him to soar up the ranks, as he became Nintendo’s president and representative director in 2002, and finally became the company’s CEO – its fourth – in 2013.

During his tenure at Nintendo, Iwata had worked on such series as The Legend of Zelda, Mario, and Animal Crossing. He also announced numerous products at Nintendo press conferences, such as the Wii, and talked to fans through multiple broadcasts, including Nintendo Direct and Iwata Asks.

Iwata was an integral part of Nintendo, and likewise, the gaming industry. He leaves a great legacy behind.

Rest in peace, Mr. Iwata.