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Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden creator Tomonobu Itagaki has died, age 58

“I’m sorry. So it goes.”

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by
Connor Makar
Staff Writer Published on Oct. 16, 2025
38 comments Follow Dead or Alive 2

Tomonobu Itagaki, responsible for creating both the Dead or Alive and 3D Ninja Gaiden series, has died.

The announcement came via one final post on his Facebook profile. This news was corroborated by Itagaki’s friend James Mielke on Bluesky, who posted their own statement mourning Itagaki.

The final message from Itagaki reads as follows:

“Final Words,

“The flame of my life is about to go out. The fact that this message has been posted means that my time has finally come. I am no longer in this world. (I have entrusted someone important to me with this final message).

“My life was a continuous battle which I kept winning. I caused a lot of trouble for others too. I take pride in having fought to the end, and having followed my convictions. I have no regrets, but I am deeply sorry that I could not deliver new works to my fans.

“I’m sorry. So it goes.

“Itagaki Tomonobu”

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Tomonobu Itagaki was a celebrated figure in the Japanese video game development industry. He formed Team Ninja (originally called Tecmo Creative #3) back in the late 90’s, creating not only the Dead or Alive series of fighting games, but also the 3D Ninja Gaiden games and Dead or Alive Beach Volleyball.

His career was not without strife. In 2006, a former co-worker of Itagaki sued him for sexual harassment which he denied, losing his executive officer role as a result. Ultimately, he was deemed innocent by Japanese courts in 2007.

Later in 2010, Itagaki and Koei Tecmo reached a settlement after Itagaki claimed the company was withholding bonuses for Dead or Alive 4. Itagaki moved on to develop Devil’s Third at Valhalla Game Studios.

Valhalla Game Studios eventually closed, leading Itagaki to form Itagaki Games in late 2021. This studio has been working on a new game ever since.

Tomonobu Itagaki, known for his love of sunglasses and long-lasting career in the games industry, leaves behind a daughter.

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