Renowned Game Developer Tomonobu Itagaki Passes Away at 58

Tomonobu Itagaki, the influential game developer known for creating the Dead or Alive series and the acclaimed 2004 version of Ninja Gaiden, has died at the age of 58. The announcement was made on his personal Facebook page and has been independently confirmed by members of the gaming community. The specific cause of his death has not been disclosed.

In a poignant message intended for posthumous publication, Itagaki wrote, “The light of my life is about to run out. The fact that this sentence has been posted means it’s finally time. I’m no longer in this world.” His reflections included gratitude towards his supporters and a sense of regret for not being able to deliver new work to his fans.

A Legacy of Innovation and Controversy

Itagaki’s career began at Tecmo in 1992, where he quickly became a key figure in the company’s development team, Team Ninja. He played a pivotal role as producer and director for the first seven titles in the Dead or Alive franchise, significantly shaping the fighting game genre. Following his departure from Tecmo in 2008 after the launch of Ninja Gaiden 2, Itagaki founded Valhalla Game Studios. The studio released Devil’s Third in 2015, along with a 3DS title, Momotaro Dentetsu 2017: Tachiagare Nippon, in 2016.

Valhalla faced challenges and ultimately closed its doors in 2021. Itagaki subsequently launched Itagaki Games, though the studio has yet to release any titles. His tenure at Tecmo was marked by controversy, including a lawsuit against the company for unpaid bonuses and personal struggles with alcohol. Allegations of sexual harassment against him were also made in 2006, which Tecmo denied after an internal investigation.

Community Remembers a Game-Changing Developer

Throughout his career, Itagaki was known for his larger-than-life personality, often seen wearing his signature sunglasses. His boldness extended beyond game design, as he frequently engaged with the public and media about his projects. After the news of his passing, fellow developers and fans took to social media to express their condolences and share memories.

James Mielke, co-founder of BitSummit, poignantly remarked, “Today I lost someone who was truly like a brother to me. I am gutted to the core… He even listed himself as my actual brother on Facebook. Anyone who knows me knows how close we were. RIP, senpai. You will always be a ninja.”

Tomonobu Itagaki leaves behind a complex legacy, celebrated for his contributions to gaming while also navigating significant personal and professional challenges throughout his career. His impact on the industry will be felt for years to come.