Key Zelda And Animal Crossing Developer Has Left Nintendo

Seven years ago, composer Yasuaki Iwata left his mark on Nintendo history with the riveting score for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which he co-wrote with Manaka Kataoka and Hajime Wakai. But now, Iwata has revealed that his time at Nintendo has come to an end.

In a message posted on his X account, Iwata said that he left Nintendo in July 2023. He also profusely thanked his supporters and the players who enjoyed his work at Nintendo over the years. Additionally, Iwata stated that he’s been working on new projects since he left Nintendo, but he didn’t elaborate on what they are.

Yasuaki Iwata joined Nintendo in 2013, and he worked on wide variety of titles during his 10-year stint at the company. He composed the opening theme for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, as well as other music for the game. His first credit for Nintendo was Super Mario 3D World, and he went on to contribute music to Mario Kart 8, Arms, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. The music from Breath of the Wild, however, may be his biggest legacy at Nintendo.

Any video game publisher would be lucky to have Iwata as part of their team, but he didn’t state whether his next project is game-related or if he’s pursuing a solo project outside of the gaming industry.