Tomonobu Itagaki, the renowned creator of the iconic Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive video game series, has died at the age of 55. The tragic news was announced in a heartfelt farewell post on his Facebook page, which was written in Japanese. Itagaki’s words reflected a life filled with challenges and a deep sense of gratitude toward his fans.
Legacy of Tomonobu Itagaki
Born in 1968, Itagaki joined Tecmo (now Koei Tecmo) in 1992. His first significant project was the American football title Tecmo Super Bowl. However, it was the launch of Dead or Alive in 1996 that marked a pivotal moment in his career.
- Dead or Alive Series: This fighting game became highly popular, leading to successful sequels like Dead or Alive 2 and Dead or Alive 3. The series also included the spin-off Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball, which gained attention for its controversial themes.
- Signature Look: Itagaki famously wore sunglasses in public to conceal his emotions during competitive gaming.
Ninja Gaiden and Later Career
In addition to Dead or Alive, Itagaki developed the action-adventure series Ninja Gaiden, which was notably released exclusively for the Xbox. The games in this franchise received high acclaim for their challenging gameplay and innovative mechanics.
However, in 2008, before the release of Ninja Gaiden 2, Itagaki left Tecmo citing issues related to unpaid bonuses. This marked a turning point in his career. His later project, Devil’s Third, released in 2015, did not achieve the same level of success as his earlier works.
Final Days and Community Response
At the time of his passing, Itagaki was reportedly engaged in developing an unannounced project. His death drew condolences from various figures in the gaming industry. Katsuhiro Harada, known for the Tekken series, expressed his sadness in response to Itagaki’s farewell post.
Tomonobu Itagaki’s contributions to gaming through titles like Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive have cemented his legacy as a legendary figure in the industry. His innovative spirit and commitment to his craft will be remembered by countless fans around the world.
