Legendary ‘Ninja Gaiden’ and ‘Dead or Alive’ Designer Dies at 58

Tomonobu Itagaki, the legendary Japanese game designer behind the iconic Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive series, has passed away at the age of 58. The news was shared through a post on his official Facebook page on October 16, which appeared to contain his final words.

“Itagaki Tomonobu is no longer in this world. My life has been a series of battles. I kept winning. I’m proud to say that I followed my beliefs and fought to the end. I have no regrets. However, I’m filled with regret that I wasn’t able to deliver a new work to all my fans. I’m sorry,” the translated message reads. According to the post, Itagaki had prepared these words ahead of his passing.

Itagaki rose to prominence in the 2000s as one of Japan’s most influential game developers. He gained acclaim for his work on Ninja Gaiden for the Xbox in 2004, which was praised for its challenging action combat and precise gameplay mechanics. He also created the long-running Dead or Alive fighting game series, known for its fast-paced battles and distinctive characters.

His outspoken personality and unique design approach made him a recognizable figure in the video game industry.

After leaving Tecmo in 2008, Itagaki founded Valhalla Game Studios, which released the action game Devil’s Third in 2015. Later, he launched Itagaki Games in 2021, aiming to return to full-time development, though the studio officially closed in 2024 without releasing new projects.

Throughout his career, Itagaki was celebrated for pushing the boundaries of action and fighting games. He combined deep combat systems with memorable character design, creating experiences that influenced many other developers and captivated players worldwide. Despite his sometimes controversial public persona, fans appreciated his dedication to quality and innovation in gaming.

At this time, no further details have been released about the circumstances of his death.

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