Tomonobu Itagaki, the renowned game developer celebrated for creating the Dead or Alive series and the 2004 version of Ninja Gaiden, has passed away at the age of 58. The announcement was made on his personal Facebook page, where a post written by Itagaki for this occasion revealed his thoughts just before his death. The cause has not been disclosed, but the news was independently verified by fellow members of the game development community.
In his poignant final message, Itagaki expressed a deep sense of farewell, stating, “The light of my life is about to run out.” He reflected on his life’s journey, noting, “My life has been a series of battles. We stayed winning.” He also expressed regret for not being able to deliver his upcoming work, saying, “I just feel so sorry to all my fans.”
Legacy in Game Development
Itagaki’s influence on the gaming industry is profound. He joined Tecmo in 1992 and quickly rose through the ranks to become the head of its development team, Team Ninja. He directed the first seven titles in the Dead or Alive franchise and played a key role in other Tecmo projects. After departing from Tecmo in 2008, following the release of Ninja Gaiden 2, he established Valhalla Game Studios. Under this banner, he launched Devil’s Third in 2015 and the 3DS title Momotaro Dentetsu 2017: Tachiagare Nippon in 2016.
Despite his immense talent, Itagaki’s time at Tecmo ended contentiously. He sued the company and its president for unpaid bonuses, alleging that he was misled into releasing the PlayStation 2 version of Dead or Alive 2, which he claimed led to a decline into alcoholism. He also faced allegations of sexual harassment in 2006, which Tecmo addressed through an internal investigation that ultimately cleared him.
Tributes and Reflections
Itagaki was known for his larger-than-life personality and distinctive style, often seen wearing sunglasses regardless of the setting. His approach to game development was as bold as his public persona. Fellow developers and industry peers have taken to social media to express their sorrow and share memories of Itagaki.
James Mielke, co-founder of BitSummit, shared a heartfelt tribute, stating, “Today I lost someone who was truly like a brother to me. I am gutted to the core.” He noted the closeness of their relationship, reflecting on their bond with the words, “Anyone who knows me knows how close we were. RIP, senpai. You will always be a ninja.”
As the gaming community mourns the loss of a pivotal figure, Itagaki’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence future generations of game developers and players alike. His contributions to the industry have left an indelible mark that will not be forgotten.
