Tomonobu Itagaki, creator of Dead or Alive and director of Ninja Gaiden, dies at 58

The legendary Japanese designer leaves behind an indelible mark in the history of action and fighting video games.

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The world of video games bids farewell today to one of its most influential figures. Tomonobu Itagaki, creator of the Dead or Alive saga, founder of Team Ninja studio, and director of the acclaimed Ninja Gaiden series, has passed away at the age of 58. The news was confirmed through his official Facebook page, where a final message written by Itagaki himself was posted before his passing.

In the message titled “Last Words”, the developer reflected on his life and career, stating that “the light of my life is finally fading out” and that he was proud to have “followed his beliefs and fought until the end”. He also expressed his sadness for not being able to deliver a new game to his fans before leaving.

The legacy of an unparalleled creator

Itagaki joined Tecmo in the early 90s, where he directed and produced the first four Dead or Alive games, as well as Dead or Alive Ultimate and the spin-off Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball. His vision was also instrumental in the revival of Ninja Gaiden, overseeing influential titles such as Ninja Gaiden Black and Ninja Gaiden 2, considered benchmarks of the action genre.

His direct style and strong personality made him an iconic figure, both for his creative talent and his controversial character. Several colleagues have paid tribute to the designer, including James Mielke, producer and co-founder of BitSummit, who stated: “Today I lost someone who was like a brother to me. Rest in peace, senpai. You will always be a ninja.”

Tomonobu Itagaki leaves behind a legacy marked by passion, innovation, and a unique understanding of Japanese video games. His influence will continue to live on in every combat, every jump, and every sword strike that defined an era.