Name: Fatih Arslan's review of Ask Iwata by Satoru Iwata
Item: Ask Iwata
Rating: 4
Author: Fatih Arslan

Satoru Iwata

"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 Satoru Iwata was the former Global President and CEO of Nintendo and a gifted programmer who played a key role in the creation of many of the world's best-known games. He led the production of innovative platforms such as the Nintendo DS and the Wii, and laid the groundwork for the development of the wildly successful Pokémon Go game and the Nintendo Switch. Known for his analytical and imaginative mind, but even more for his humility and people-first approach to leadership, Satoru Iwata was beloved by game fans and developers worldwide. In this motivational collection, Satoru Iwata addresses diverse subjects such as locating bottlenecks, how success breeds resistance to change, and why programmers should never say no. Drawn from the "Iwata Asks" series of interviews with key contributors to Nintendo games and hardware, and featuring conversations with renowned Mario franchise creator Shigeru Miyamoto and creator of EarthBound Shigesato Itoi, Ask Iwata offers game fans and business leaders an insight into the leadership, development and design philosophies of one of the most beloved figures in gaming history.

Words of Wisdom from Nintendo's Legendary CEO

Ask Iwata

Fatih Arslan

When I look back on things, it's hard for me to tell whether I chose a unique path because I'm different, or chose a unique path by chance, and became who l am. What I will say is I've been extremely lucky to find my way into environments that have suited me so well-beyond that, I'm not so sure.

Ben Bleikamp

An easy read. It’s not a biography, but I loved the excerpts and anecdotes of one of Nintendo’s legendary CEOs. I wish it was more organized. The writing was also not the best. Recommended to read if you’re into the gaming industry or have a knack for Nintendo. 

Ken Yuen

Into the mind of Satoru Iwata, former president of Nintendo! I've always known Iwata to be sagacious and respected. Reading his thoughts and philosophy gives you insight into how the man worked and what kind of things he did to become as esteemed a man that he was.

Ricardo Sousa

7/10

I spent most of the book enjoying what I was reading but somewhat ‘frustrated’ because it feels as an amalgamation of existing materials, not fully delivering on any of its potentialities - it’s not really a(n auto)biography, even less so a management book, and it’s probably not the best place to learn about Nintendo either.

Yet, after finishing it, and especially after reading Miyamoto and Itoi’s testimonials, I couldn’t feel anything but sympathy for Iwata, and ultimately some sadness for someone I didn’t even know existed until a couple of days ago.

Jamie R

Lewis Barn

Jason Long

Satoru Iwata was the global president and CEO of Nintendo and a gifted programmer who played a key role in the creation of many of the world’s best-known games. He led the production of innovative platforms such as the Nintendo DS and the Wii, and laid the groundwork for the development of the wildly successful Pokémon Go game and the Nintendo Switch. Known for his analytical and imaginative mind, but even more for his humility and people-first approach to leadership, Satoru Iwata was beloved by game fans and developers worldwide. In this motivational collection, Satoru Iwata addresses diverse subjects such as locating bottlenecks, how success breeds resistance to change, and why programmers should never say no. Drawn from the “Iwata Asks” series of interviews with key contributors to Nintendo games and hardware, and featuring conversations with renowned Mario franchise creator Shigeru Miyamoto and creator of EarthBound Shigesato Itoi, Ask Iwata offers game fans and business leaders an insight into the leadership, development, and design philosophies of one of the most beloved figures in gaming history. -- VIZ Media

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Ben Bleikamp &
Ask Iwata by Satoru Iwata