Japanese news source Nikkei is reporting that Nintendo has announced that Hiroshi Yamauchi, former president of the company has passed away. He was 85 years old.
Yamauchi was a gaming industry titan who took Nintendo from a small playing card company in Japan into the video game behemoth it still is today. Hiroshi Yamauchi was the third president of Nintendo, he joined the company in 1949 and was president until May 31, 2002. He was president of the company for a massive 53 years.
Yamauchi was also formally Japan’s richest man and up until 2012 was the 12th richest person in the world.
Hiroshi Yamauchi’s legacy to gaming is still felt today, he is responsible for the modern gaming market as we know it. Your memories with early gaming, this guy is responsible.
Rest in peace, Yamauchi-san.
Update:
Current president and CEO Satoru Iwata has released a statement on behalf of Nintendo.
[quote]The entire Nintendo group will carry on the spirit of Mr. Yamauchi by honouring, in our approach to entertainment, the sense of value he has taught us — that there is merit in doing what is different — and at the same time, by changing Nintendo in accordance with changing times.[/quote]
Down down, sales are down. Zelda debuts strong.
From Mario to Zelda, to Splatoon to Donkey Kong. Everything on Nintendo Music.
Look at all those chickens — I mean changes!