Masahiro Sakurai's Heartfelt Tribute to His Mentor, Satoru Iwata

In a poignant farewell to his popular YouTube series, renowned game designer Masahiro Sakurai paid a touching tribute to his former boss and close friend, the late Nintendo president Satoru Iwata. Sakurai's candid reflections on their professional and personal relationship offer a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the gaming industry's most influential figures.

A Lasting Legacy: Sakurai's Heartfelt Homage to Iwata's Enduring Impact

A Chance Encounter that Shaped a Legendary Career

Sakurai's journey with Iwata began when he interviewed for a position at HAL Laboratory, where Iwata served as the head of development. Sakurai was immediately struck by Iwata's remarkable typing speed and his genuine, carefree smile – a testament to the man's unwavering passion and dedication. This initial encounter would go on to shape the course of Sakurai's illustrious career, as the two forged a deep professional and personal bond that would leave an indelible mark on the gaming industry.

Iwata's Selfless Contributions: Coding for Smash Bros. and Beyond

Sakurai recounted the financial hardships faced by HAL Laboratory, which led to Iwata taking on the role of company president in the 1990s, despite being an "extraordinary programmer." Sakurai revealed that the only times Iwata personally wrote code for a game he was working on were for the prototype of the original Super Smash Bros. for the Nintendo 64, as well as a separate adventure game. Sakurai marveled at Iwata's willingness to set aside his other responsibilities to lend a hand, a testament to his unwavering commitment to the craft and his deep understanding of Sakurai's vision.

A Profound Connection: Iwata's Unparalleled Understanding of Sakurai

As Sakurai's video tribute drew to a close, he reflected on the profound impact Iwata had on his life and career. Sakurai described Iwata as the person who understood him best, a man of virtue, relentless hard work, and unwavering dedication to service – a true visionary who left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. Sakurai's heartfelt words serve as a poignant reminder of the deep, personal bonds that can form between industry leaders, and the lasting impact that such relationships can have on the creative process and the trajectory of an entire industry.