Legendary Developer Tomonobu Itagaki, Creator of Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden Reboot, Passes Away

Tomonobu Itagaki, the celebrated developer known for his work on the Dead or Alive series and the 2004 Ninja Gaiden reboot, has passed away at the age of 58. His death was officially announced via a post on his Facebook profile, which contained a poignant farewell that he had prepared in advance. The cause of his death remains undisclosed.
Tomonobu Itagaki’s Legacy in Gaming
Itagaki began his career with Tecmo in 1992, eventually taking charge of Team Ninja, the studio responsible for some of the industry’s most iconic titles. He significantly contributed to the development of the first seven installments of Dead or Alive and was involved in numerous other Tecmo projects.
Founding Valhalla Game Studios
After leaving Tecmo in 2008, following the release of Ninja Gaiden 2, Itagaki founded textbf{Valhalla Game Studios}. In 2015, Valhalla released textbf{Devil’s Third}, which showcased Itagaki’s unique vision. However, the studio closed its doors in 2021, prompting Itagaki to establish textbf{Itagaki Games}, which has yet to release a title.
A Fond Farewell
His Facebook message reflects on his life and career, stating, “The light of my life is about to run out.” He conveyed feelings of gratitude towards his fans and expressed regret for not being able to deliver new work. Itagaki was known for his iconic sunglasses and his impactful contributions to the Japanese gaming landscape.
Tributes from the Gaming Community
The news of Itagaki’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from friends and colleagues. Notable figures in the gaming industry, including James Mielke, co-founder of BitSummit, shared their sorrow, emphasizing the close bond they had. Mielke remarked, “Today I lost someone who was truly like a brother to me.”
- Birth Year: 1965
- Age at Passing: 58
- Major Contributions:
- Dead or Alive series
- Ninja Gaiden reboot
- Devil’s Third
Tomonobu Itagaki will be remembered not only for his innovative contributions to gaming but also for the profound impact he made on those who knew him. His unique vision and relentless pursuit of excellence have left an indelible mark on the industry.