Tomonobu Itagaki, Dead or Alive Creator and Ninja Gaiden Reboot Developer, Dies at 58

Tributes Pour In for Tomonobu Itagaki, Pioneering Game Designer

Tomonobu Itagaki, a renowned figure in the gaming industry, has sadly passed away at the age of 58. The heartbreaking news has been confirmed through a post on his Facebook page, in which he had requested a friend to share his thoughts should he no longer be present. This poignant farewell underscores the profound struggles he faced in life.

The flame of my life is finally about to be extinguished.

The fact that this message has been posted means that time has finally come. I am no longer in this world.(I have asked someone important to post this final message.)

My life was a continuous battle. I kept winning. I also caused a lot of trouble.

I take pride in having fought to the end, following my convictions. I have no regrets.

But I am filled with regret that I could not deliver new work to all my fans. I’m sorry.

That’s how it is. So it goes.

A Legacy of Innovation and Controversy

This heartfelt message resonates deeply with Itagaki’s character, reflecting his unfiltered and often outspoken nature, as demonstrated when he publicly criticized Sony’s PlayStation 4 Pro. Known primarily for creating the iconic Dead or Alive fighting game franchise and revitalizing the Ninja Gaiden series, Itagaki’s impact on gaming is undeniable.

After spending sixteen years with KOEI TECMO, Itagaki departed from the company under contentious circumstances, filing a lawsuit over unpaid wages. This turn of events saw him promptly establish Valhalla Game Studios with fellow former Team Ninja colleagues. The studio’s ambitious project, Devil’s Third, was released for the Nintendo Wii U, though it faced significant criticism and lacked commercial success.

The Rise and Fall of Valhalla Game Studios

In a surprising twist, in November 2021, Tencent acquired Wake Up Interactive, Valhalla’s parent company, for an impressive $44 million. This acquisition led to the subsequent integration of Valhalla Game Studios’ operations into another subsidiary, Soleil Ltd., signaling the end of the studio’s independent endeavors.

Undeterred by these challenges, Itagaki founded yet another venture, Itagaki Games. Renaming the entity to Itagaki Games, Inc.roughly a year ago, he announced plans progressing towards developing new content. Sadly, he did not see the fruition of any projects before his passing.

Reflecting on His Contributions to Gaming

The timing of this news is particularly poignant, coinciding with the anticipated launch of the fourth installment in the Ninja Gaiden series, long after the last release. Itagaki’s absence will surely be felt not only by his fans but also within the broader gaming community.

As we bid farewell to Tomonobu Itagaki, we celebrate his contributions that have shaped the gaming landscape and inspired countless developers and gamers alike.

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