Japanese video game legend Tomonobu Itagaki has passed away at the age of 58. The news about the creative mind behind Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden was shared through a final message on his official Facebook page, written by Itagaki himself and posted by someone close to him.
Known for his bold personality, signature sunglasses, and fearless creative vision, Itagaki’s influence defined an entire generation of action and fighting games. While we don’t yet know the cause of his passing, the gaming industry is shocked as tributes have poured in from other creators and figures, remembering him as both a pioneer and a fighter to the very end.
Tomonobu Itagaki Was a Visionary Who Defined an Era at Tecmo
Born in 1967, Tomonobu Itagaki joined Tecmo (now Koei Tecmo) in 1992, where his career began with Tecmo Super Bowl. But it was his creation of Dead or Alive in 1996 that elevated him into a position of being one of Japan’s most distinctive and unique creative developers. The 3D fighting game stood out at the time and set new standards for the genre.
Under his leadership, Team Ninja became one of Tecmo’s most respected internal studios. Dead or Alive 2 and Dead or Alive 3 went on to become successes of their own, while Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball got caught up in controversy for its tone. And yet, it showcased Itagaki’s unapologetic creativity.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Team NINJA's first leader, Tomonobu Itagaki.
We will carry on the philosophy and creativity that Itagaki-san began and continue to create games that many gamers will enjoy.
Our deepest condolences for his loss.
From everyone at Team…
In 2004, he directed the acclaimed reboot of Ninja Gaiden for the Xbox, a brutal and technically masterful action game that. Itagaki followed it with Ninja Gaiden Black and Ninja Gaiden 2, both of which joined the list of classics in the Action genre. Once again, he solidified his reputation as one of Japan’s most fearless game designers.
Despite a very public split with Tecmo in 2008 over unpaid bonuses, his contributions to both franchises remain foundational to their legacy. After his departure, Itagaki founded Valhalla Game Studios, leading the 2015 release of Devil’s Third.
While the title wasn’t a masterpiece by any means, he continued mentoring younger developers and eventually founded Itagaki Games in 2021, following his desire to “make a game again” after years of teaching (via Facebook). At the time of his passing, he was reportedly working on an unannounced project.
The Creator’s Final Words and Legacy
Hours before his death was confirmed, a farewell post written by Itagaki himself appeared on Facebook. His final message, titled “Last Words,” is a poignant reflection of the man behind the legend:
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 wasn’t able to deliver a new work to all my fans. I’m sorry. That’s just how it is. So it goes.
Without a doubt, the industry has been shaken by the news. Katsuhiro Harada, Tekken producer and longtime friend-turned-rival, expressed disbelief on X (formerly Twitter).
No way, Itagaki-san
you said, “Let’s grab a drink sometime,” didn’t you?
I don’t believe it. I don’t.
Itagaki’s death comes just days before the scheduled release of Ninja Gaiden 4, a new sequel he had no involvement with but one that stands as a testament to the legacy he built. His influence is felt not only in his work but also in his unflinching commitment to creative freedom.
In his last words, he described his life as “a series of battles,” and through every one of them, he stayed true to his beliefs. Though his voice has fallen silent, we will feel his legacy in every challenging boss fight, every stylish combo, and every gamer and developer who dares to follow their convictions, just as he did.
Farewell, Itagaki-san. The industry bows to a true ninja.
