Below, games developers and executives pay tribute to the late Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, who has passed away aged 55.

Nintendo announced the news early this morning UK time.

Iwata's contemporaries and competitors quickly began expressing their reactions to the news on social media.

Former colleagues and fellow industry leaders alike have posted their thoughts. A selection lies below.

Iwata's name is currently trending on Twitter worldwide.

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

— Dylan Makes Games (@dylancuthbert) July 13, 2015

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An incredibly sad start to the week. RIP Satoru Iwata. You had the respect of a world of gamers, including all of us at Rare. #ThankYouIwata

— Rare Ltd. (@RareLtd) July 13, 2015

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

— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) July 13, 2015

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Thank you for everything, Mr. Iwata.

— PlayStation (@PlayStation) July 13, 2015

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pic.twitter.com/TDBrzS4b9M

— Aaron Greenberg (@aarongreenberg) July 13, 2015

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Please, I don't understand. #ThankYouIwata

— notch (@notch) July 13, 2015

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"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

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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.

— ᴀᴅᴀᴍ ʙᴏʏᴇs (@amboyes) July 13, 2015

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RIP Iwata-san. You will be missed

— John Smedley (@j_smedley) July 13, 2015

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R.I.P. Iwata-san. I never met him. My all time favorite video game is "balloon fight". Thanks.… https://t.co/I5hKWu3DyC

— Hidetaka SWERY SueHERO (@Swery65) July 13, 2015

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

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

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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

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First time I met Mr. Iwata, I was on a visit to NCL, he was this crazy excited young guy who ran HAL. Super nice, and a great dev. I'm sad:(

— Ken Lobb (@RealKLobb) July 13, 2015

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Very sad to hear of the passing of Mr Iwata. Sympathies to his family, friends and Nintendo colleagues #RIPIwata

— Phil Harrison (@MrPhilHarrison) July 13, 2015

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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

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In remembrance of Mr. Satoru Iwata, Nintendo will not be posting on our social media channels today. pic.twitter.com/N2kR0OKEXh

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) July 13, 2015

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