Legendary Dead Or Alive And Ninja Gaiden Creator Tomonobu Itagaki Has Died

The global video game industry is in mourning today following the news that Tomonobu Itagaki, the iconic and famously outspoken creator of the Dead or Alive fighting game franchise and the celebrated revival of Ninja Gaiden, has passed away. The developer, known for his signature black leather jacket and ever-present sunglasses, died on October 16, 2025, at the age of 58.

The news was shared via a moving, pre-written message posted to his personal Facebook account, entrusted to a close associate for release upon his passing. While the exact cause has not been officially disclosed by his family, it is understood that the veteran developer had been battling a serious illness which had recently escalated.

Itagaki’s Final Words: A Life of Unregretted Battle

The final message from Itagaki-san was a poignant and fitting reflection on a career defined by conviction, high-stakes decisions, and a relentless pursuit of his unique vision for video game excellence. The statement serves as a powerful testament to his unwavering philosophy.

• An Elegy of a Victor: “The flame of my life is finally about to go out. If this message has been posted, that means the time has come – I am no longer in this world… My life was a constant battle. And I kept on winning.”
• A Vow of No Regret: He expressed pride in following his own convictions to the end: “I take pride in having fought through it all, following my own convictions. I have no regrets.”
• The One Sorrow: His only expressed regret was the inability to deliver a new project to his loyal fanbase. “I only feel deep sorrow that I couldn’t deliver a new work to all my fans. That’s just how it goes. So it goes.”

A Career Defined by High-Octane Action and High-Value IP

Itagaki’s legacy is irrevocably tied to his time as the head of Team Ninja at Tecmo (1992-2008), where he cemented his status as a key figure in Japanese game development. His creative input generated two of the most recognizable and highest-CPC keywords in the action and fighting genres:

The Dead or Alive Phenomenon

The Dead or Alive series, launched in 1996, quickly became a global hit, recognized for its fast-paced, 3D fighting system and its innovative counter-attack mechanics. The franchise set a new bar for visual fidelity and established a core audience for high-stakes competitive fighting games.

The Ninja Gaiden Revival

In 2004, Itagaki was responsible for resurrecting the classic Ninja Gaiden series. His vision transformed the side-scrolling platformer into a brutal, critically-acclaimed 3D action-adventure masterpiece for the Xbox, starring the iconic ninja, Ryu Hayabusa. The game was lauded for its punishing difficulty, deep combat system, and gorgeous graphics, making it one of the most important Xbox exclusives of its generation.

Strong industry analysts often point to the quality and enduring appeal of these titles as a benchmark for premium gaming experiences and a significant driver of console sales during their respective launch windows.

Industry Tributes and Lasting Rivalries

News of Itagaki’s passing has prompted an immediate outpouring of respect and grief from fellow game development titans. His frank, sometimes controversial, and competitive public persona was a defining characteristic of the industry’s landscape for decades.

• Team Ninja’s Condolences: The studio he founded offered a public statement, promising to continue his creative spirit. “Inheriting Mr. Itagaki’s creative spirit, we will continue to deliver titles to many gamers. We sincerely pray for his soul to rest in peace.”
• Katsuhiro Harada’s Emotional Farewell: Perhaps the most heartfelt response came from his long-time rival and friend, Tekken series producer Katsuhiro Harada. Harada-san expressed deep sadness, citing their friendly rivalry and his shock at losing his “senior from university” at such a young age. “To think that he’s gone at just 58 years old… I never even got the chance to consult you about anything. Honestly I’m really depressed.”
• Other Industry Voices: Esteemed developers, including Super Smash Bros. director Masahiro Sakurai, also offered public tributes, recognizing the immense impact Itagaki-san had on the medium.

The Post-Tecmo Era and Unfinished Work

Following a public and acrimonious departure from Tecmo in 2008, Itagaki founded Valhalla Game Studios, releasing Devil’s Third in 2015. He later established Itagaki Games in 2021, holding the promise of a new, major gaming IP. Tragically, Itagaki’s final words reflect the painful reality that this final project was left incomplete, leaving fans to wonder what new genre-defining work the master developer might have created.

Tomonobu Itagaki was a maverick, a visionary, and an uncompromising artist who fundamentally shaped the modern action and fighting game genres. His games will live on, his philosophy will continue to inspire, and his memorable presence will be deeply missed by the global gaming community and all those who appreciate the best of Japanese video game design.