Dead or Alive creator Tomonobu Itagaki passes away at 58

Tomonobu Itagaki, a legendary figure in game design, passed away this week at the age of 58. Known as one of the foundational pillars of what is today recognized as Team Ninja, Itagaki was the creative force behind the Dead or Alive series, directing most of its installments. He also directed the 2004 reboot of the acclaimed Ninja Gaiden franchise.

Itagaki began his career at Tecmo in the early 1990s, with his first credited role as a Graphic Engineer on Tecmo Super Bowl. Over the years, he made significant contributions to the gaming industry, particularly through the Dead or Alive series, directing the games up to Dead or Alive Xtreme 2. He also led the reboot and development of the Ninja Gaiden series, working on titles through the release of Ninja Gaiden 2 in 2008.

In 2008, Itagaki left Tecmo amid legal disputes, suing the company and its president over unpaid bonuses and alleging unfair business practices, especially concerning the release of Dead or Alive 2. Following his departure, he joined Valhalla Games, where he directed the cult classic Devil’s Third.

Later, Itagaki founded his own studio, Itagaki Games, where he was actively working on new projects prior to his passing. His final message reflects his enduring passion for game design and his influential legacy in the Japanese gaming industry.

Tomonobu Itagaki will be remembered as a rockstar force in the world of gaming, whose creative vision and leadership shaped some of the most beloved titles in the industry.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146378/tomonobu-itagaki-obituary-dead-or-alive-ninja-gaiden

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