Legendary Japanese game designer Tomonobu Itagaki, known for creating Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive, has died at the age of 58. The outspoken developer was both a visionary creator and one of gaming’s most controversial personalities.

Although he had stepped away from the industry in recent years, Tomonobu Itagaki was a towering figure in 1990s and early 2000s gaming. A self-styled rock star of game design, infamous for mocking his competitors as much as for creating genre-defining titles. From his hands came Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden for the original Xbox—masterpieces that shaped the action genre. Sadly, Itagaki has passed away at the age of 58.

“I’m Proud to Have Fought to the End, Following My Convictions.”

The news came from his own Facebook account, where a final message appeared: “My final words. The flame of my life is about to be extinguished.” The farewell, posted by someone close to him, continued: “The fact that this message has been posted means that I am no longer in this world. My life was a constant battle. I kept winning. I also caused a lot of trouble.” Itagaki was known for his fiery personality and surreal friendship-rivalry with Tekken creator Katsuhiro Harada. “I’m proud to have fought to the very end, following my convictions. I don’t regret anything. It fills me with sadness that I couldn’t bring new games to my fans. I’m sorry. That’s life.”

From Success to the Edge of Obscurity

Itagaki’s career ended far too soon. After conquering the action genre with Ninja Gaiden 2 on Xbox 360—later remade as Ninja Gaiden Black 2—he left Team Ninja and began developing a multiplatform project with THQ. Unfortunately, the publisher’s bankruptcy derailed the game. Nintendo eventually revived the project as Devil’s Third, a flawed but ambitious shooter whose online version became something of a cult hit. Still, it would end up being the last title of his storied career, a fact that likely weighed heavily on him.

Later, with Valhalla Games, he served as “supreme advisor” on Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time and was reportedly working on an NFT-based game titled Warrior. Though his final years were quieter, Itagaki’s legacy is eternal. His Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive games remain benchmarks of their genres—a lasting testament to one of gaming’s boldest creative minds. Rest in peace, master.

Source: 3djuegos