Who Is Tomonobu Itagaki? Legendary Ninja Gaiden Creator Dies at 58

Tomonobu Itagaki, the legendary Japanese video game developer best known for creating the Dead or Alive series and leading the 2004 reboot of Ninja Gaiden, has died at the age of 58. His death was confirmed on October 16, 2025, through a pre-written message shared on his official Facebook account. No cause of death has been disclosed.

The farewell message, written by Itagaki himself to be shared upon his passing, reflected on his life and career. He expressed gratitude to his fans, apologized for not delivering a new project, and closed with the words, “It is what it is. So it goes.”

Who Is Tomonobu Itagaki: Life, Career, and Legacy

Born on April 1, 1967, in Tokyo, Japan, Tomonobu Itagaki began his career at Tecmo in 1992. His early work quickly earned recognition, and he rose to become head of Team Ninja, the studio behind some of the most influential action and fighting games of the 1990s and 2000s.

Itagaki’s breakout success came with the launch of Dead or Alive in 1996, a fast-paced fighting game known for its fluid mechanics and innovative 3D combat. He went on to direct and produce the first seven entries in the series, cementing its status as a major global franchise. In 2004, he revitalized the Ninja Gaiden franchise with a modern reboot on Xbox, a title that redefined the action genre with its challenging combat, tight mechanics, and cinematic style.

Despite his success, Itagaki’s career was not without controversy. His departure from Tecmo in 2008 was marked by legal disputes over unpaid bonuses, and he publicly criticized the company for decisions he claimed undermined his creative work. Following his exit, he founded Valhalla Game Studios, which released Devil’s Third in 2015 and Momotaro Dentetsu 2017: Tachiagare Nippon for the Nintendo 3DS.

After Valhalla closed in 2021, Itagaki launched a new venture, Itagaki Games, though it had yet to release a project at the time of his death. In 2009, IGN recognized him as one of the top 100 game creators of all time — a testament to his influence on modern action and fighting game design.

Industry Reaction

News of Itagaki’s passing sparked an outpouring of tributes across the gaming world. James Mielke, co-founder of BitSummit and one of Itagaki’s closest friends, described him as “like a brother,” highlighting the depth of their bond and the profound impact he had on those around him.

Itagaki was known for his outspoken personality and signature look, often appearing in sunglasses and leather jackets regardless of setting. His confidence and uncompromising approach to design inspired a generation of developers and left a lasting imprint on how action games are built today.

The combat systems he pioneered in Ninja Gaiden influenced countless titles that followed, while Dead or Alive helped shape the evolution of 3D fighting games. Even as he courted controversy, Itagaki remained a passionate advocate for creative freedom and design excellence — principles that continue to guide studios worldwide.

Tomonobu Itagaki’s story is one of bold vision, relentless pursuit of excellence, and lasting influence. As the world remembers who Tomonobu Itagaki was, his work remains a cornerstone of gaming history and a benchmark for future creators.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Tomonobu Itagaki?

Tomonobu Itagaki was a Japanese game developer, best known as the creator of the Dead or Alive series and the director of the 2004 Ninja Gaiden reboot. He led Team Ninja and was recognized as one of the most influential designers in action gaming.

Q2: How did Tomonobu Itagaki die?

Itagaki passed away on October 16, 2025, at the age of 58. The cause of death has not been disclosed. His death was announced through a pre-written message posted on his Facebook page.

Q3: What is Tomonobu Itagaki’s legacy in gaming?

He revolutionized 3D fighting games with Dead or Alive and set new standards for action gameplay with Ninja Gaiden. His work influenced game design principles across the industry and continues to shape modern titles.

Q4: What were Tomonobu Itagaki’s major works?

His most notable titles include Dead or Alive (1996), Dead or Alive 2–4, Ninja Gaiden (2004), Ninja Gaiden Black (2005), Ninja Gaiden II (2008), and Devil’s Third (2015).

Q5: What happened to Team Ninja after Itagaki left?

Itagaki left Tecmo and Team Ninja in 2008. The company continued to develop new entries in Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden under new leadership, while Itagaki founded Valhalla Game Studios and later Itagaki Games.