Tomonobu Itagaki, a renowned Japanese video game creator, passed away at the age of 58. His death was announced through a heartfelt message on his Facebook account, where he expressed his pride in having fought until the end, lamenting not being able to offer new games to his followers. “I am filled with sadness for not being able to provide new works to all my fans. I’m sorry,” he said in a message that resonated with the struggle of his life and career.
Tomonobu Itagaki is a video game legend
Itagaki, famous for his contributions to video game culture, was responsible for iconic franchises like Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden, which helped define the action genre and the aesthetics of the early 2000s. His provocative style made him a controversial figure, but undeniably influential in the industry. Throughout his career, he stood out for his ability to challenge his competitors, establishing a friendship and rivalry with Katsuhiro Harada, creator of Tekken. Harada expressed his sadness and surprise at Itagaki’s departure, recalling shared moments and the hope for a reunion.
Despite his success at Team Ninja, Itagaki drifted away from glory after leaving the company. His last major project, Devil’s Third, for Wii U, did not achieve the expected success and was a significant blow to his career. Subsequently, Itagaki founded Valhalla Games and worked on several projects, including an NFT-based game titled Warrior, of which there is not much information available.
The departure of Tomonobu Itagaki marks the twilight of a star in the world of video games. However, his legacy will endure, as titles like Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive continue to be celebrated by fans. His legacy will be honored by reviving and enjoying his masterpieces. Rest in peace, Master Itagaki.
