Tomonobu Itagaki, Creator of Dead or Alive and Modern Ninja Gaiden, Passes Away at 58
Tributes pour in as Tomonobu Itagaki, known for his contributions to the gaming world with franchises like Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden, has died at 58.
Tomonobu Itagaki, the influential game designer renowned for revitalizing the Ninja Gaiden franchise and founding the Dead or Alive series, has sadly passed away at the age of 58. The impact of the Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive franchises is immense, showcasing Itagaki’s significant influence within the gaming landscape.
Itagaki began his journey with Tecmo in 1992, leading to the formation of his own group, Team Ninja. Their initial project, Dead or Alive, emerged as a rival to Sega’s Virtua Fighter, subsequently establishing a successful fighting game series. After several more successful releases, Ninja Gaiden made a comeback in 2004, highlighting Itagaki’s creativity and talent.
Itagaki’s Lasting Legacy in Gaming
The announcement of Itagaki’s passing was shared through his personal Facebook page by a close friend. Currently, the cause of his death remains unspecified, leading to widespread speculation. His final Facebook entry clearly indicated that he was preparing for the time he would have to address his family and fans.
Last Words
“The light of my life is finally fading.
The fact that this message has been posted means that the time has finally come.
I am no longer in this world.
(I am entrusting this final post to someone important to me.)
My life has been a series of battles. I kept winning.
I have caused a lot of trouble, too.
I am proud to say that I followed my beliefs and fought to the end.
I have no regrets.
However, I am filled with regret that I was unable to deliver a new work to all my fans. I am sorry.
That’s how it is.
So it goes.
Tomonobu Itagaki
His poignant message resonates deeply, marking a profound end to a trailblazer who never shied away from challenging boundaries with his titles, particularly with Dead or Alive’s provocative combination of themes. Fellow developers and fans alike, including Katsuhiro Harada, have taken to social media to convey their condolences and shock.
Despite having departed from Team Ninja in 2008, his death comes mere days ahead of the anticipated launch of the new Ninja Gaiden 4, scheduled for October 21.
