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writermags's review against another edition
4.0
I think if you go into this book expecting to learn the "big secrets" of what made Nintendo the gaming powerhouse we know it to be, you're going to be disappointed. But that's not at all what "Ask Iwata" intends to do - instead, it's a closer look at a man who had a profound impact not just on Nintendo, but on the gaming industry as a whole. In this sense, I found the book to be incredibly successful.
"Ask Iwata" is a collection of Satoru Iwata's writings grouped loosely together by topic, so while there isn't an obvious "big picture" idea, I think each essay or article acts as a piece to the puzzle of who Iwata was and the personal philosophy that he carried through his life.
To be sure, this book offers plenty of good advice to anyone involved in business or creative endeavors, but it's not said flat out as it often is in the self-help books us Americans may be used to. Iwata doesn't set out to say "If you want to succeed, do this" - his approach is more like, "This is what I've done that works for me." He shares his experiences - it's up to us, the readers, to decide what our "takeaways" are going to be. Even as someone not involved in business or the gaming industry, I found there was a lot to think about regarding the creative process, especially when it comes to collaborating with others.
All in all, "Ask Iwata" feels like a fitting tribute to the man who left such a lasting impression on the gaming community. Rest in peace, Mr. Iwata.
"Ask Iwata" is a collection of Satoru Iwata's writings grouped loosely together by topic, so while there isn't an obvious "big picture" idea, I think each essay or article acts as a piece to the puzzle of who Iwata was and the personal philosophy that he carried through his life.
To be sure, this book offers plenty of good advice to anyone involved in business or creative endeavors, but it's not said flat out as it often is in the self-help books us Americans may be used to. Iwata doesn't set out to say "If you want to succeed, do this" - his approach is more like, "This is what I've done that works for me." He shares his experiences - it's up to us, the readers, to decide what our "takeaways" are going to be. Even as someone not involved in business or the gaming industry, I found there was a lot to think about regarding the creative process, especially when it comes to collaborating with others.
All in all, "Ask Iwata" feels like a fitting tribute to the man who left such a lasting impression on the gaming community. Rest in peace, Mr. Iwata.
astoundingalex's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
Worth reading for anyone interested in Nintendo or the game industry, but it is also great for anyone interested in or starting a business.
batsugeemu's review against another edition
3.0
i feel bad for saying this but it truly was just OK like 75% of it was business speeches and strategies... like girl.. i'm asleep... tell me more about kirby
lillanaa's review against another edition
5.0
This book was received as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Part biography, part business book, this is such an insightful look into the life of a man who changed the gaming space for the better. One of the legends of the space, someone who seemed so lucky for how things happened in his life, you can tell just by reading this book that nothing that happened to him was luck. He got to where he was through sheer determination, quick wits, and creativity, and that's what the story should be about. His business tactics outline throughout the book just make sense, showing that people were his priority, not product. A book full of inspiration, and one I would recommend to anyone in the gaming space. Or, honestly, even just someone curious about Japanese business.
Part biography, part business book, this is such an insightful look into the life of a man who changed the gaming space for the better. One of the legends of the space, someone who seemed so lucky for how things happened in his life, you can tell just by reading this book that nothing that happened to him was luck. He got to where he was through sheer determination, quick wits, and creativity, and that's what the story should be about. His business tactics outline throughout the book just make sense, showing that people were his priority, not product. A book full of inspiration, and one I would recommend to anyone in the gaming space. Or, honestly, even just someone curious about Japanese business.
catschristian's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
jesskhoury's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
5.0