Tomonobu Itagaki Passes Away at 58: A Legendary Force in Game Design
Tomonobu Itagaki, a legendary figure in the world of game design, passed away this week at the age of 58. Known as one of the foundational members of what is now Team Ninja, Itagaki was the creative force behind the Dead or Alive series, having created and directed most of its installments. He also directed the critically acclaimed 2004 reboot of Ninja Gaiden, cementing his status as a rockstar talent within the Japanese gaming industry.
Itagaki’s career began in the early 1990s at Tecmo, where his first credited work was as a Graphic Engineer on Tecmo Super Bowl. Over the years, he built a remarkable portfolio, leading the Dead or Alive series through to Dead or Alive Xtreme 2. His leadership also extended to the Ninja Gaiden franchise, overseeing its revival and working on games through the release of Ninja Gaiden 2 in 2008.
In 2008, Itagaki left Tecmo amid a legal dispute with the company and its president over unpaid bonuses and grievances regarding the handling and release of his games, particularly Dead or Alive 2. Following his departure, he joined Valhalla Games, where he directed the cult classic Devil’s Third.
Subsequently, Itagaki founded his own studio, Itagaki Games, continuing his passion for game design and working on new projects up until his passing.
Before his death, Itagaki left a final message, a testament to his enduring spirit and dedication to the art of gaming.
Tomonobu Itagaki’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the gaming world. His creative vision and pioneering work continue to inspire developers and fans alike. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered as a true icon of the industry.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146378/tomonobu-itagaki-obituary-dead-or-alive-ninja-gaiden