Tag Archives: RIP

Nintendo pioneer Satoru Iwata rides the rainbow road into the sky

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The passing of Nintendo President & CEO Satoru Iwata affected me greatly the moment I learned about it. I was casually scrolling my Twitter feed when the news broke: Iwata, at age 55, passed away due to a bile duct tumor. And just like that, the video games community lost an innovator and an icon.

It was Iwata who pioneered Nintendo’s journey into the future of gaming, leading the development of the game-changing Nintendo DS handheld and the motion-controlled Nintendo Wii console. These devices went on to shape the current state of the industry. The DS eventually evolved into the 3DS, dominating the games portability market and rivaling what iPhones and Android sets have to offer. The Wii’s successor, the Wii U, continues to pump out grade-A first-party games that finally bring Mario and friends into the world of high definition. The motion control input which first debuted in the original Wii spawned intense competition from the likes of Microsoft and its hands-free motion capture camera, Kinect. Sony also offers a camera of its own, and soon it will take advantage of a virtual reality headset codenamed Project Morpheus. In sum, Iwata was the brains behind an originally outlandish concept that would soon take the industry by storm. Kinect, Morpheus, and even VR startup Oculus have Iwata to thank for his ability to properly gauge and cater to gamers with new modes of gameplay.

In addition to running Nintendo and coming up with brilliant innovations, Iwata knew how to connect with his company’s fanbase on a number of levels. He came up with “Iwata Asks,” a series of in-depth interviews he hosted alongside creators of major titles coming to Nintendo’s systems. He also put a spotlight on his incredible sense of humor, having fun when making big announcements at E3 and during Nintendo Direct web videos. All in all, he was a CEO with heart and a true passion for video games. And with that, I leave you with a powerful quote:

“On my business card, I am a corporate president. In my mind, I am a game developer. But in my heart, I am a gamer.” – Satoru Iwata, RIP.

[Image via PeachBunni]

R.I.P ‘Glee’ star Cory Monteith

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Late Saturday night news broke that Glee star Cory Monteith was found dead in a Vancouver hotel room; he was 31 years old. Vancouver police say there were no indications of foul play at the scene, and we won’t know further details until the autopsy is released Monday. [Update: According to the British Columbia coroner’s office, he died of a “mixed drug toxicity, involving heroin and alcohol.”] Monteith, who played Finn Hudson on FOX’s Glee and broke out as one of the series’ biggest stars, had checked himself into rehab earlier this year to address substance addiction. He was expected to make a full recovery and return in the fifth season of the musical dramedy.

On Sunday the network FOX, the studio 20th Century Fox Television, and Glee producers released a joint statement: “We are deeply saddened by this tragic news. Cory was an exceptional talent and an even more exceptional person. He was a true joy to work with and we will all miss him tremendously. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.”

As a self-processed Gleek, news of Monteith’s passing is shocking and incredibly sad. He contributed so much energy, enthusiasm, and emotion to the show’s grade-A pilot and quickly became a standout fan-favorite. Last we saw his character, Finn left McKinley High to pursue a teaching degree; I was hoping to see Finn eventually return to teach at the high school and run the Glee club when Mr. Shue was ready to move on. Also, Finn always had an undeniable connection with Lea Michele’s Rachel Berry and Gleeks around the world had been anticipating the two to get back together and sing ride off into the sunset come series end.

However the producers address Cory’s passing, I’m sure it will be heartfelt and enduring. RIP Cory Monteith.

Apple reflects on the passing of Steve Jobs, and you should too

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One year ago today visionary leader Steve Jobs passed away at the age of 56. When you visit Apple.com you will notice the effort that his company put into remembering him on this mournful day in history that is still ripe in memory. Load the homepage and it immediately starts to play a touching tribute; a montage of powerful images fade in and out as we hear Steve introduce some of the most influential technological advances of our time. The video also includes some of Steve’s most impactful quotes regarding Apple’s DNA. When it ends, a note from his successor Tim Cook appears and it opens like this: “Steve’s passing one year ago today was a sad and difficult time for all of us. I hope that today everyone will reflect on his extraordinary life and the many ways he made the world a better place.”

I never met the man, but I miss him dearly. I will forever be grateful to have served my part at his company during the Apple retail revolution. Each and every day I experience Steve’s contributions to society when I boot up my computer, listen to music, and flick away at my phone. But it’s more than that; his inspiration and motivation to work hard, succeed, and love what you do is keen advice that sits with me at my core. Thank you, Steve, and rest in peace.

Napster joins Rhapsody and the peer-to-peer giant vanishes for good

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Oh, Napster’s journey has been a rough one when you look down at the history of the famed peer-to-peer music sharing service from Justin Timberlake Sean Parker. In 1999 Napster became widely available and widely known as the destination to illegally download and share music among  friends and strangers around the world. It wasn’t long before the Recording Industry Association of America (with resistance led by heavy metal band Metallica) forced Parker to shut down Napster so the company could find a way to make it work through legal channels. While Napster was getting battered with legal woes, other P2P music software cropped up like Morpheus, Kazaa, and BearShare. Eventually all of these P2P players were forced to either close up shop or transition into a subscription service. Napster took the latter route and lived on for a while. Late last week, though, the final hammer was nailed into the coffin. Rhapsody, the world’s #1 digital music subscription service, bought out Napster and integrated its music library into its own. In other words, Napster is no longer its own entity and the Napster name and cute logo that lasted all this time have fallen by the wayside.

Napster’s legacy will forever remain a part of the history of the music industry. What Parker pioneered in the late 90s and early 2000s would help lead to the introduction of the iTunes Store and new, innovative ways of legally purchasing and sharing music. And with that let us say in unison: RIP Napster.

Update: And the Internet cried, “Not so fast!” According to The Register, the Napster brand will live on in the UK and Germany. So there you go.

[Via CNET]

Rest in peace, Steve

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Shortly after stepping down as CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs passed away on October 5 at the age of 56. Newly appointed CEO Tim Cook released this statement to Apple employees:

Team,

I have some very sad news to share with all of you. Steve passed away earlier today.

Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.

We are planning a celebration of Steve’s extraordinary life for Apple employees that will take place soon. If you would like to share your thoughts, memories and condolences in the interim, you can simply email rememberingsteve@apple.com.

No words can adequately express our sadness at Steve’s death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. We will honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.

Tim

The company has signified the passing of Steve at www.apple.com by stripping the homepage of all products and replacing it with an enlarged picture of the innovative leader, his name, and the years 1955-2011. Clicking this image brings you to a new portal www.apple.com/stevejobs that contains a part of Cook’s message and a way to share your thoughts, memories, and condolences with the company and Steve’s family.

Rest in peace, Steve. Thanks for inspiring to think different and transforming the world into a better place. Your contribution to society will reign for all time.

RIP Leslie Nielsen

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Comedy legend Leslie Nielsen passed away on Sunday due to complications from pneumonia.  At the time of death in a hospital near his home in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida he was surrounded by family and friends.  He was 84.

Nielsen is a television and film icon who will always be remembered for his deadpan perfection as Lt. Frank Drebin in The Naked Gun and Dr. Alan Rumack in Airplane!.

And don’t call me Shirley.

[Via THR]

RIP John Hughes

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Writer/director John Hughes passed away on   the age of 59.  He directed many classic 80s films like Weird Science, The Breakfast Club, Home Alone, and my personal favorite, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.  He will always be remembered for bringing that special edge and coolness to geeks all around the world.  Also, he was not afraid of making an impact on society by stepping outside the status quo and covering social issues among teens (re: The Breakfast Club).  If you have not seen his movies, I highly recommend you create a “John Hughes weekend” and enjoy all of his hilarious, touching, and influential films.  Thank you John Hughes for making geeks, well, cool.