It has been reported that Tomonobu Itagaki, the influential Japanese video game designer best known for creating the Dead or Alive fighting series and revitalizing Ninja Gaiden, has passed away at the age of 58. His death marks the end of a defining era in Japanese action game development, as his distinctive vision and outspoken personality helped shape the identity of modern action titles.
Following the news of his passing, a final message written by Itagaki was shared posthumously. The statement, titled My Last Words, was entrusted to a loved one and published after his death. In his closing reflections, Itagaki spoke with characteristic candor and humility, acknowledging both his triumphs and regrets.
“The lamp of my life is finally about to go out,” his message began. “The fact that this message has been posted means that the time has finally come. I am no longer of this world.”
He went on to describe his life as one defined by unending struggle and perseverance.
“My life was a continuous battle. I kept on winning. I caused a great deal of trouble for many, too. I pride myself on having fought through to the end, true to my own convictions. I have no regrets,” he wrote.
Despite this sense of closure, Itagaki’s final words expressed a deep regret toward his loyal fanbase.
“However, my heart is filled with regret that I was unable to deliver a new work to all my fans; I am sorry,” he said, before concluding with the simple phrase, “That’s the way it is. So it goes.”
Tomonobu Itagaki’s career began at Tecmo in the early 1990s, where he contributed as a graphic engineer on Tecmo Super Bowl for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. He rose to prominence with the release of Dead or Alive in 1996, serving as producer and director for the series through multiple iterations, including Dead or Alive 2 (1999) and Dead or Alive 4 (2005). His creative leadership also defined Ninja Gaiden on the original Xbox in 2004, a title celebrated for its technical mastery, precision-based combat, and demanding difficulty.
Over the years, Itagaki’s work established Team Ninja as one of the most respected development divisions in Japan. Beyond his major franchises, he advised on acclaimed projects such as Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly (2003) and Super Swing Golf (2006). His final directorial work, Devil’s Third, released in 2015 under Valhalla Game Studios—a company he founded after leaving Tecmo in 2008. In 2021, he went on to form Itagaki Games, signaling his intent to return to game creation and mentor a new generation of developers.
Throughout his career, Itagaki became known not only for his games but for his unwavering sense of individuality. His direct manner, trademark sunglasses, and unapologetically bold opinions set him apart in an industry often defined by cautious restraint. Fans admired him for his candor and for his belief that games should always challenge and reward players equally.
Tomonobu Itagaki’s passing leaves a void in the action game landscape. His legacy lives on through the countless titles he helped create and the generations of developers he inspired. Though he departed expressing sorrow for not completing another game, his body of work remains a lasting testament to a creator who never compromised his convictions—one who, as he himself said, “fought through to the end.”
