Mario Kart, Smash Bros, And Splatoon Composer Leaves Nintendo After 17 Years
Ryo Nagamatsu has left Nintendo. The famed composer who gave us the soundtracks for Splatoon 2 and 3, Wii Sports Resort, Super Mario Galaxy 2, Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and both The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening and A Link Between Worlds, as well as others, departed from Mario company after 17 years.
"I have made a decision to leave the company of April 30, 2023," wrote Nagamatsu in both English and Japanese in a statement on Twitter. "I will work a little wider and more directly to help those who need my help and to help the industry. Thank you all for your kind support! I look forward to [serving] you in the future!"
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Nagamatsu added that his departure was "an amicable settlement," so it sounds like he just wanted to spread his wings and leave the Nintendo nest. Sounds like he'll be able to offer his services as a freelancer to other game studios, but this doesn't mean he still can't provide Nintendo with another soundtrack here and there.
Although Nagamatsu is just 40 years old, he has 17 years of experience working as a composer at Nintendo. Perhaps realizing that his youthful appearance doesn't properly convey this experience, Nagamatsu offered a second photograph that has been lightly doctored to appear as old as his resume suggests.
Fans responded to Nagamatsu's announcement with thanks and well wishes on his future endeavors, while some fans lament his departure from Nintendo.
"Wow. He was a fantastic arranger," remarked one ResetEra user. "His work on A Link Between Worlds and Link’s Awakening was superb. Just perfectly tasteful interpretations of the source materials." Another agreed: "Splat music is so unique and
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