I can't believe it. One of the greatest people the gaming industry has ever known. For those who don't know, Smash probably wouldn't have even been a thing if it weren't for Iwata helping Sakurai to get the game greenlit by Nintendo. He also helped code Melee when development was running behind schedule, which was a great boon considering his skill in writing code. And the list of his accomplishments goes far beyond Smash.
- Single-handedly created compression tools for Pokemon GSC, which were what allowed two regions to be in the game.
- Wrote the entire battle-system code for Pokemon Stadium 64.
- While working for HAL, helped to create Kirby, Earthbound, and Balloon Fight.
- As president of Nintendo, oversaw and pushed for the Nintendo DS and Wii, two systems that helped further Nintendo's unique image.
- Also worked on games from almost all of Nintendo's notable franchises, i.e. Metroid Prime, Galaxy 2, WarioWare, Windwaker, Animal Crossing, FE:Fates, etc.
However, what I will remember the most about him is his devotion to gaming as a gamer. While the industry is constantly being crowded by people only concerned with using gaming as a source of profit, Iwata put game quality and unique ideas before anything else. To put it simply: he was Nintendo as I remember and know it. His charm and devotion is something I don't see from other companies, and I doubt will ever be replicated by any one person.
RIP Satoru Iwata.
