Tokyo – October 19, 2025 – Tomonobu Itagaki, one of Japan’s most renowned video game designers and the mastermind behind the Dead or Alive series and the revival of Ninja Gaiden, has passed away at the age of 58. Itagaki’s innovative approach to gaming and his bold, often controversial personality made him a key figure in the development of modern action and fighting games. His passing marks the end of an era for both Team Ninja and the broader gaming industry.
What Happened
Tomonobu Itagaki’s death was confirmed on October 16, 2025, by his family through a pre-written message on his Facebook account. The cause of death has not been disclosed, though his influence on the gaming world remains undeniable. Itagaki’s career, spanning over three decades, was defined by his creation of groundbreaking video games that not only shaped the fighting genre but also revived and redefined action-adventure games in the 2000s.
Itagaki’s family, along with Team Ninja, the company where he made his mark, expressed their grief and paid tribute to his legacy. Industry figures such as Tekken’s Katsuhiro Harada, Mortal Kombat’s Ed Boon, and Super Smash Bros.’s Masahiro Sakurai all honored Itagaki’s contributions, reflecting the impact he had on their own work and the broader gaming community.
Who Was Tomonobu Itagaki?
Born in Tokyo on April 1, 1967, Tomonobu Itagaki developed a passion for video games at a young age. After graduating from Waseda University’s School of Law in 1992, he joined Tecmo as a graphics programmer. Initially working on titles like Tecmo Super Bowl, Itagaki quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of the key figures in the development of the Dead or Alive series, which debuted in 1996. His creative leadership and relentless drive for innovation led to the series’ success, especially with Dead or Alive 2 and Dead or Alive 3.
Itagaki’s impact wasn’t limited to Dead or Alive. His work on Ninja Gaiden in 2004 revitalized the series, creating a brutal and challenging action game that became a staple of the Xbox library. His success in both fighting and action games solidified his reputation as one of the best game designers of his time, earning him recognition from IGN in 2009 as one of the top 100 game creators of all time.
Career Highlights and Legacy
Itagaki’s bold vision brought about significant contributions to the gaming world. Under his leadership at Team Ninja, Dead or Alive became a defining fighting game series with its focus on detailed graphics, fast-paced combat, and complex character design. The Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball series, though controversial for its focus on fanservice, was another example of Itagaki’s commitment to creating games that combined fun with unique gameplay concepts.
In 2004, Itagaki’s work on Ninja Gaiden—a game known for its challenging difficulty and intense combat mechanics—was a major success, marking a turning point in action-adventure games. He continued to develop enhanced versions like Ninja Gaiden Black, further solidifying his place in the history of video game design.
Itagaki’s career wasn’t without its controversies, including a lawsuit against Tecmo in 2008 for withholding a bonus payment, which led to his departure from the company. He went on to form Valhalla Game Studios, where he released Devil’s Third in 2015. Although the studio was eventually dissolved in 2021, Itagaki later formed Itagaki Games, continuing his work in the gaming industry.
Personal Life and Final Years
Known for his frank personality and often provocative remarks, Itagaki was as famous for his bold statements as he was for his game designs. His trademark sunglasses and aggressive approach to game development made him a standout figure in the gaming world. He was deeply influenced by his daughter, who was one of the driving forces behind his desire to create games that would be enjoyable for all audiences.
In his later years, Itagaki’s focus shifted towards creating games that would push the boundaries of interactivity and graphics, ensuring that his titles were not only visually stunning but also deeply engaging. His last years were marked by the formation of Itagaki Games, where he continued to work on new projects until the dissolution of the company in 2024.
Public and Social Media Reactions
The gaming community has been flooded with tributes from developers and fans alike. Katsuhiro Harada, producer of Tekken, and Hideki Kamiya, director at PlatinumGames, were among the first to offer their condolences, recalling the impact Itagaki had on their own work. Many fans have taken to social media to share their favorite memories of Itagaki’s games, particularly the Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden series, which defined an entire generation of gamers.
In his tribute, Ed Boon, creator of Mortal Kombat, said, “Tomonobu Itagaki’s games set the standard for action and fighting games. His influence on the industry is immeasurable, and he will be missed by all who were lucky enough to work alongside him or experience his work.”
Official Statements and What Happens Next
As the gaming world mourns the loss of one of its most influential creators, Team Ninja and the broader industry have promised to continue Itagaki’s legacy by building on the foundation he laid. Itagaki’s impact on the world of video game design will continue to resonate through the games he created and the developers he inspired.
Itagaki’s funeral arrangements have not been disclosed, but his family has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans and colleagues worldwide. The legacy of Tomonobu Itagaki, a true pioneer in the world of video games, will live on in the groundbreaking work he left behind.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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