The games industry has offered its tributes in the wake of the shock news that Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has passed away "due to a bile duct growth".

　　The Nintendo chief executive had been dealing with health issues and was notably absent from E3 2014 in order to have surgery to remove a previous bile duct growth.

　　In the hours following Nintendo's announcement of its CEO's death, fans and peers have paid tribute to one of the industry's most respected and adored figures.

　　I couldn’t find one picture of Iwata to best use on a story. So I made this. #RIPIwata pic.twitter.com/4PvYMs3DHk

　　— Daniel Vuckovic (@VOOK64) July 13, 2015

　　

Dylan Cuthbert - Q-Games

Nintendo's flag is of course at half-mast today pic.twitter.com/QpIJPK7bwB

　　— Dylan Cuthbert (@dylancuthbert) July 13, 2015

　　

Yves Guillemot - Ubisoft

"Our deepest condolences & sympathies go out to Mr. Iwata’s family & everyone at Nintendo. He will be missed." - Yves Guillemot

　　— Ubisoft (@Ubisoft) July 13, 2015

　　Neil Druckman - Naughty Dog

　　RIP, Mr. Iwata. Thanks for all the incredible fun and inspiration.

　　— Neil Druckmann (@Neil_Druckmann) July 13, 2015

　　

Phil Spencer - Xbox

Sad day for Iwata-san’s family, friends, and gamers everywhere. His passion, creativity & leadership elevated our industry.

　　— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) July 13, 2015

　　

PlayStation

Thank you for everything, Mr. Iwata.

　　— PlayStation (@PlayStation) July 13, 2015

　　

Min-Liang Tan - Razr

There are CEOs who make a difference to the lives of the people - Satoru Iwata was one of the few who did. https://t.co/IcJKU9sNPj

　　— Min-Liang Tan (@minliangtan) July 13, 2015

　　

Treyarch Studios

RIP Iwata-san, we owe you much – you will be missed.

　　— Treyarch Studios (@Treyarch) July 13, 2015

　　

Aaron Greenberg - Xbox

pic.twitter.com/TDBrzS4b9M

　　— Aaron Greenberg (@aarongreenberg) July 13, 2015

　　

Hideki Kamiya - Platinum Games

In my heart forever. http://t.co/w4cYNscXFy

　　— 神谷英樹 Hideki Kamiya (@PG_kamiya) July 13, 2015

　　

Bungie

"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." - Iwata-san

　　— Bungie (@Bungie) July 13, 2015

　　

Ken Lobb - Microsoft, Formerly Rare

Loved Mr. Iwata's quote. President as title, game dev's mind, gamers heart. Where's the tissue, I need it. Honestly.

　　— Ken Lobb (@RealKLobb) July 13, 2015

　　

Obsidian Entertainment

We are sincerely saddened to hear of the passing of Iwata-san. Our best to his family in their time of loss.

　　— Obsidian (@Obsidian) July 13, 2015

　　

Capcom

Endless thanks and respect to Iwata-san. His talent and humor made the world a better place.

　　— Capcom-Unity (@Capcom_Unity) July 13, 2015

　　

Adam Boyes - PlayStation

Really sad to hear about Iwata-san's passing today. As a fan of Nintendo since the NES, my heart goes out to his family, friends, & fans.

　　— Adam Boyes (@amboyes) July 13, 2015

　　

Zelda Williams

So sorry to hear about Mr. Iwata's passing. He was an unbelievable mind and talent, a passionate creative force. May he rest in peace.

　　— Zelda Williams (@zeldawilliams) July 13, 2015

　　

Shuhei Yoshida - PlayStation

ゲーム業界の発展に多大な貢献をされた岩田さんのご冥福をお祈りします。

　　— Shuhei Yoshida (@yosp) July 13, 2015

　　Translation: Iwata-san contributed to the development of the game industry significantly. We will pray for him and hope he rests in peace.

　　

Shigesato Itoi - Writer of EarthBound/Mother Series

世界のすべての灯を消せ 真っ暗な夜をつくってくれ その無力で ただそれだけをしてくれないか

　　— 糸井 重里 (@itoi_shigesato) July 11, 2015

　　Translation by Cheesemeister: "Extinguish all the lamps in the world. Make a pitch-black night. With that powerlessness. Can you please do that for me?"