Tomonobu Itagaki, the influential creator of Dead or Alive and the modern Ninja Gaiden series, died at the age of 58, leaving the gaming community in mourning.

In a pre-written message posted on his official Facebook page, Itagaki’s family confirmed his passing. “The light of my life is finally about to fade,” he wrote in his parting note, expressing gratitude and a hint of regret. I am sad that I was unable to provide my fans with a new piece, but I have no regrets.

From all over the industry, tributes poured in. Katsuhiro Harada, a seasoned developer, and others recalled Itagaki’s audacity, inventiveness, and the tremendous energy he infused into each project.

A Career and Legacy

In 1992, Itagaki started working at Tecmo, where he soon became well-known as the leader of Team Ninja. He became well-known for producing and directing popular games like:

• The fighting series Dead or Alive (1996) is renowned for its technical combat and elegant presentation.
• With its intense difficulty and quick pacing, Ninja Gaiden (2004) revolutionized contemporary action gaming.

Itagaki continued to follow his artistic vision after departing Tecmo in 2008, founding Valhalla Game Studios and then Itagaki Games.

His Lessons Will Live On

Tomonobu Itagaki’s fiery personality and unyielding approach to game design were well-known. An entire generation of action games that required players to possess skill, accuracy, and mastery were influenced by his philosophy. His contributions inspired innumerable developers and fans, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Although a true pioneer of Japanese action gaming is no longer with us, his legacy will live on in the games he made and the people he inspired.