This news was completely unexpected. He was just re-elected as Nintendo president not that long ago and was getting the company back into gear, doing as much as he could to do so. Stocks reaching an all time high in years, deal with Universal, Nintendo entering mobile with the help of DENA, success of amiibos, success of Splatoon the new Nintendo IP, and the mystery of the NX and QOL. All I can say is that Satoru Iwata was a legend. On the Nintendo Directs, I could see he was a kind and humble man that enjoyed fun games who also just so happenened to be the president of the company.
Before becoming president, he was a game programmer, who did things in his time many would find impossible. He was blessed by Yamaguchi himself, who saw him as a man of prospect fit for the company. He was in charge of Nintendo during its best times (Wii/DS) and during the worst times (WiiU). He did something no president would do for his company, taking a 50% cut of his own pay for the sake of his employees. For this to happen to him at the age of 55 which is very young for a president, it saddens me up. I'll never forget the funny yet informative Nitendo Directs he always hosted and enjoyed, proving that a head of a company isn't just another corporate suit.
Rest in peace Iwata-san. You will alway s be remembered in the hearts of gaming industry. I will never forget his Nintedo Direct catchphrase "directly to you", that always brought a smile to me.
