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Tomonobu Itagaki, Creator of ‘Dead or Alive,’ Dies at 56

Tomonobu Itagaki, the renowned game designer and founder of Team Ninja, has passed away at the age of 56. He was instrumental in creating the acclaimed ‘Dead or Alive’ video game series and was a notable figure in the gaming industry.

Legacy of Tomonobu Itagaki

Itagaki’s career began in the early 1990s when he joined Tecmo. He produced and directed multiple titles within the ‘Dead or Alive’ franchise, including:

  • Dead or Alive
  • Dead or Alive 2
  • Dead or Alive 3
  • Dead or Alive 4
  • Dead or Alive Ultimate
  • Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball

Additionally, Itagaki rebooted the Ninja Gaiden series, directing:

  • Ninja Gaiden
  • Ninja Gaiden Black
  • Ninja Gaiden 2

Final Message

In a touching farewell, Itagaki posted a message titled “Last Words” on his Facebook page shortly before his death. He reflected on his battles and stated, “I followed my beliefs and fought to the end. I have no regrets.” He expressed sorrow for not being able to deliver more creative works to his fans.

Tributes and Remembrance

James Mielke, co-founder of BitSummit and a close friend of Itagaki, lamented the loss. He referred to Itagaki as a brother and mentioned that they were working on a book together that chronicled his development memoirs.

Mielke stated, “I will do everything in my power to bring this to life.” He captured the essence of their friendship through memories of conversations they shared, emphasizing the impact Itagaki had on his life.

Industry Relationships

Itagaki was known for his strong personality and had notable rivalries, including a long-standing feud with the Tekken series. However, he reconciled with Tekken’s producer, Katsuhiro Harada, in 2008, calling him his “comrade in arms.”

In response to the news of Itagaki’s passing, Harada expressed disbelief, stating, “You said ‘let’s grab a drink sometime,’ didn’t you? I don’t believe it.”

Tomonobu Itagaki leaves behind a significant legacy in the gaming world, remembered for his creativity and contributions to iconic franchises. As fans reflect on his work, his absence will be felt deeply within the community.

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