From Aspyr’s Executive VP Ted Staloch: An Open Letter About Steve Jobs
Posted by Russ LooneyThis morning, everyone around the world woke to a new world without Steve Jobs. Considered one of the greatest minds and visionaries of our time, the news of his passing was a shock to many. Sometimes there are no words. Other times, there are words that exemplify exactly how you feel. I opened my email inbox this morning to the latter with an address from Aspyr’s Executive Vice President Ted Staloch.
Originally intended just for the employees at Aspyr, I thought the letter was too good not to share with fans of Aspyr, GameAgent, and Apple alike. So I have received permission from Ted to share the letter with the rest of you. Below is the letter in its entirety.
By now you all know Steve Jobs has passed on. I am sure like many of you, even though I knew he was sick and the time was coming, I am shocked by the news. For various reasons I’m struggling and wanted to share a few thoughts about what Steve Jobs has meant to me, but more importantly to Aspyr. As 9-11 is our generation’s JFK, Steve Jobs is our generation’s version of Thomas Edison. He was obviously successful and had the vision to be able to match technology with how we consume media. But really what he mastered was the ability to create magic. He did this by believing in “it” before “it” happened. Driven not by arrogance, not by over-confidence, not by calling his competition stupid, but driven by his insatiable conviction and thirst to compete. This, matched with a one-of-a-kind work ethic, determination, and tenacity - beyond reason – is what made him the best. Steve created and made the “it” happen (over and over and over again). He did this by believing, which made others believed, which blossomed ideas into wonderful and usable products the world enjoys today. Aspyr has been working with Steve for 14 years. One of our favorite memories is [Aspyr President Michael Rogers] shaking hands with Steve on stage at MacWorld as we announced Tony Hawk for the Mac. Steve knew us as the “game guys.” He supported Aspyr as much as he supported any game company, including EA, Disney and Activision. He helped us become the great company we are today in 2011. Steve spoke at Stanford in 2005 and said this: “Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important… Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.” We do not pretend to be in the same circle of Steve Jobs, but we can all be inspired by Steve. We have nothing to lose and every reason to continue to follow our hearts…..and succeed. Here is to Apple, Pixar, NEXT and tonight…. here is to Steve Jobs and his family. We are forever thankful for all you have done for the world and for Aspyr. Continue to be insanely great!!! -Ted
Again, I don’t think I could have said things better myself. Steve Jobs, you will be missed.
If you’ve got something to say about Apple, Steve Jobs, Mac gaming, or anything else you would like to get off your chest, feel free to post in our comments. Alternatively, Apple is asking everyone to share their memories, thoughts, and condolences by sending them to rememberingsteve@apple.com.
