Born to Haitian parents, Fils-Aime has been with Nintendo for 15 years.
The company released a statement saying that Fils-Aime will end his term on April 15th, and will be replaced by the head of marketing Doug Bowser.
The gaming community is clearly sad about this update. Not just because Reggie Fils-Aime is one of the iconic faces from the notable publisher. But, he is also one of the prominent black people in the gaming space. And one of the few in higher up positions for 500 companies.
Nintendo fans, Reggie has a message for all of you. Please take a look. pic.twitter.com/EAhaEl5oEJ
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) February 21, 2019
Born to Haitian parents, Fils-Aime has been with Nintendo for 15 years. Over time, he eventually became the company’s public celebrity. It all started during his appearance at E3 2004, when he told attendees, “My name is Reggie. I’m about kickin’ ass, I’m about takin’ names, and we’re about makin’ games.”
The press release stated:
“I really appreciate everything Reggie has done for Nintendo,” said Shuntaro Furukawa, President of Nintendo Co., Ltd. “Inside and outside our company, Reggie is known as an exceptional leader. We are grateful that he is leaving the business in good shape with strong momentum. While we will miss him and we wish him the very best in his retirement, we are also pleased to have such an able successor ready to step into that role. Doug Bowser and the rest of the team will ensure a seamless transition and continued momentum for Nintendo.”
Black History lesson for you all.
Reggie Fils-Aime was an American born to Haitian parents in NYC
I never knew we had that in common
The only one to lead a Fortune 500 company
Thank you for making your countrymen proud Reggie
You deserve the best in life
Team Sak Passe
— xD1x (@xD1x) February 21, 2019
“Nintendo owns a part of my heart forever,” Fils-Aime said. “It’s a part that is filled with gratitude – for the incredibly talented people I’ve worked with, for the opportunity to represent such a wonderful brand, and most of all, to feel like a member of the world’s most positive and enduring gamer community. As I look forward to departing in both good health and good humor, this is not ‘game over’ for me, but instead ‘leveling up’ to more time with my wife, family, and friends.”
Hopefully, over time we will see more black men and women in leading positions for gaming companies like Reggie Fils-Aime. It’s still a void that will hopefully be filled at some point in time.
