Satoru Iwata

1959-2015

Made video games for everyone

Did you know one person helped millions of people play video games for the first time? His name was Satoru Iwata (1959–2015). He was a game programmer who became president and CEO of Nintendo from 2002 until 2015. The single most important thing he did was make video games friendly and fun for everyone — kids, parents, grandparents, and people who had never tried gaming before.

In the 2000s and early 2010s Iwata led Nintendo through a very creative era. Under his leadership Nintendo launched the Nintendo DS and the Wii, consoles that used simple, new ways to play (touchscreens and motion controls). Games such as Wii Sports became huge because they let people move, laugh, and play together in living rooms around the world.

Iwata never forgot he was a programmer. He visited game teams, asked smart questions, and explained ideas plainly in interviews called 'Iwata Asks' and in video announcements known as 'Nintendo Direct.' His choice to focus on fun and new ideas — not just better graphics — changed how many games are made. Iwata passed away in 2015 after a health problem, but his kindness, curiosity, and the idea that games should welcome everyone are still felt today whenever families pick up controllers and play together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did Satoru Iwata begin his game career?

He started as a programmer at HAL Laboratory in the 1980s, later becoming its president before moving to a leadership role at Nintendo.

What did he study in school?

Iwata studied computer science at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, which prepared him for a technical career in game development.

How did he become Nintendo's president?

After leading HAL Laboratory, he joined Nintendo as a corporate officer in 2000 and was named president in 2002 to help guide the company’s strategy.

Did he personally invent the DS or the Wii?

He didn’t single-handedly invent those systems. As Nintendo’s leader he supported and promoted the teams and ideas that produced the DS and Wii.

How did people and Nintendo honor him after he passed?

Nintendo and fans worldwide paid tribute through statements, memorials, and retrospectives; developers and players also celebrated his influence on the industry.