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Dead or Alive Creator Tomonobu Itagaki Passes Away at 58

The global video game industry is deeply saddened by news of a major loss. Tomonobu Itagaki, the legendary creator behind the iconic fighting series Dead or Alive, has passed away. He was 58 years old. The announcement was shared on his personal social media. Itagaki was known for his innovative work as the former head of Team Ninja. This studio developed some of the most memorable action and fighting games.

A Legacy of Iconic Titles

Itagaki was born on April 1, 1967. He was a Japanese video game designer and director. His career spanned over three decades. He rose to prominence as the creative force at Tecmo’s Team Ninja studio. His most famous creation is the Dead or Alive fighting game franchise. This series first launched in arcades in 1996. It became a global phenomenon. Itagaki served as the producer and director for the first seven mainline Dead or Alive titles. This includes the controversial but successful Dead or Alive Xtreme spin-offs.

Reviving a Gaming Classic

Beyond his fighting games, Itagaki is also celebrated for reviving the Ninja Gaiden franchise. He directed the 2004 reboot of the series for the Xbox. This title quickly became a benchmark for modern 3D action games. The game was praised for its intense difficulty and sophisticated combat system. He later served as the director for the critically acclaimed sequel, Ninja Gaiden 2, in 2008.

His Final Farewell

The news of his passing was confirmed on October 16, 2025. This was done through a heartfelt, pre-written statement on his Facebook page. Itagaki’s message was an emotional farewell to his fans and the world. The post, titled “Words I Leave Behind,” spoke of his life as a constant battle. He stated he “kept on winning” and had “no regrets.” He expressed deep sorrow only for not being able to deliver a new work to his fans. Close friends, including James Mielke, confirmed the news. They added that Itagaki had suffered from a serious, escalating illness.

[Visit Tomonobu Itagaki’s Facebook Page]

Industry Tributes Pour In

Fellow developers and industry veterans have shared their condolences. Katsuhiro Harada, the director of the Tekken series and Itagaki’s contemporary, expressed his deep sadness. Harada mentioned their rivalry as creators had evolved into an unusual friendship. Team Ninja also posted a tribute on social media. They expressed their deepest condolences to his family and fans. They pledged to inherit his creative spirit in future titles.

Tomonobu Itagaki was an icon. His signature look, always wearing sunglasses, matched his bold and uncompromising design philosophy. His impact on the fighting and action genres is undeniable. Though his light has run out, his creations will continue to challenge and entertain players worldwide. In 2021, Itagaki had formed a new studio, Itagaki Games. He was reportedly working on a new title before his death.

Rest in peace, Tomonobu Itagaki. The gaming world will never forget the battles you fought and won.

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