Legendary game director Tomonobu Itagaki, the creative force behind Dead or Alive and the architect of the modern Ninja Gaiden revival, has passed away at the age of 58.
News of his death appeared as a final message on his Facebook page, a post he entrusted to someone close to him. The announcement has been confirmed by outlets including Famitsu and by friends within the development community.
During his years at Tecmo, Itagaki created the Dead or Alive franchise and oversaw the acclaimed Ninja Gaiden reboot, defining a new standard for fast, precise, high-stakes action games. He also established Team Ninja as the company’s premier internal studio, guiding it as it took the reins of those iconic series. In a tribute, his former team said, “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.”
Itagaki left Tecmo in 2008 and co-founded Valhalla Game Studios with several longtime collaborators, releasing the stylish action title Devil’s Third for Wii U. Known for his unmistakable look—leather jacket, dark sunglasses, day or night—he later dissolved Valhalla and re-emerged with Itagaki Games in a final push to return to the industry he helped shape.
Here is the farewell message shared on his Facebook page:
“Final Words
The flame of my life is finally about to be extinguished.The fact that this message has been posted means that time has finally come. I am no longer in this world.(I have entrusted this final post to someone important.)My life was a continuous battle. I kept winning.I caused a lot of trouble for others too.I take pride in having fought to the end, following my convictions.I have no regrets.Only, I am filled with regret that I could not deliver new works to all my fans. I’m sorry.That’s how it is.So it goes.
Itagaki Tomonobu”
Tomonobu Itagaki’s influence reached far beyond any single franchise. His games radiated raw energy, demanded mastery, and inspired generations of players and developers. Rest in peace, Itagaki-san. You will be missed. 安らかにお眠りください。
