Who Was Tomonobu Itagaki? 'Dead Or Alive', 'Ninja Gaiden' Creator Dies At 58 With A Goodbye Message

The gaming world is mourning the loss of Tomonobu Itagaki, the legendary Japanese game designer behind iconic action video games like Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden. The trailblazer, known for his fearless activity and his signature sunglasses, passed away at age 58, leaving behind a timeless legacy in game design.

The news of Itagaki’s death was confirmed on his official Facebook page. The game icon left behind a final message for his fans and followers, which was written by Itagaki himself and shared on his page after his passing. For a creator who lived an unapologetic life and reshaped the very gaming landscape for developers, the goodbye letter marks a bittersweet goodbye.

Tomonobu Itagaki’s final words before he passed away

On October 16, 2025, a message popped up on Tomonobu Itagaki’s official Facebook page that left the gaming world in deep sorrow. The note, posted by someone close to him, was a raw and heartfelt farewell that perfectly captured the fighting spirit that defined his life. The message, entitled ‘Last Words’, contains Itagaki’s own words, and its translation reads:

Words I Leave Behind The flame of my life is finally about to go out. If this message has been posted, it means that the time has come. I am no longer in this world. (This final post has been entrusted to someone dear to me.) My life was a series of battles. And I kept on winning. I know I caused trouble for many along the way. But I followed my convictions and fought to the very end. I have no regrets. Only one thing weighs on me — I’m deeply sorry to all my fans that I couldn’t bring you a new work. I truly am. That’s just how it is. So it goes. Tomonobu Itagaki."

Itagaki was only 58 years old at the time of his passing. The exact cause of his death has yet to be revealed, but tributes have already been pouring in from developers, gamers, and fans across the world.

Who was Tomonobu Itagaki?

Itagaki is globally known as a legendary game designer from Japan who redefined action games. Born on April 1, 1967, in Tokyo, Japan, Itagaki joined Tecmo (now Koei Tecmo) in 1992, where his innovative mind soon transformed the company’s future. He had his breakout moment in 1996 when he launched Dead or Alive, a fast-paced 3D fighting game that became famous for its responsive mechanics, interactive stages, and groundbreaking counter system.

Under Itagaki’s visionary leadership, Team Ninja soon grew into one of the most respected development studios in Japan. In 2004, Tomonobu reinvented the Ninja Gaiden franchise for the Xbox, and the game became one of the most demanding and technically refined action games ever made. Developers and gamers were amazed by the brutal difficulty and combat precision of Ninja Gaiden, not to mention its sleek visuals. The game’s sequels, Black and Ninja Gaiden 2, also became major hits, cementing Itagaki’s reputation as a master of the genre.

In 2008, Tomonobu left Tecmo following a legal fallout with the company. However, his will couldn’t be deterred; he continued to pursue his passion for game development. He founded Valhalla Game Studios and later Itagaki Games in 2021, expressing a renewed desire to “make a game again.”

The gaming world mourns Tomonobu Itagaki’s untimely demise

Beyond his work, Itagaki was quite popular for his charisma and fiery personality that made him a larger-than-life icon. His unapologetic opinions, and most importantly, his ever-present sunglasses, added to his rockstar image that’s a rarity in the game industry. Tomonobu’s years of rivalry with Tekken creator Katsuhiro Harada were well-known in the gaming world. The two publicly feuded for years before reconciling in 2008. However, upon the Ninja Gaiden creator’s tragic demise, Harada posted on X (formerly Twitter):

It’s hard to believe, but Itagaki-san…my senior from university and my rival as a creator has passed away. The last message I ever received from him was, “Let’s go drinking. Let’s make some noise soon!” To think that he’s gone at just 58 years old… Yes, everyone dies eventually …that’s inevitable. But you… isn’t it a bit too soon? 

Game producer and BitSummit co-founder James Mielke, who described Itagaki as ‘a brother’, also shared an emotional tribute on his social media handle. His post reads:

“Today I lost someone who was truly like a brother to me,” Mielke wrote. “I am gutted to the core. I guess I can say so now that it’s on his Facebook page. He even listed himself as my actual brother on Facebook. Anyone who knows me knows how close we were. RIP, senpai. You will always be a ninja.”

Tomonobu Itagaki’s influence remains woven into the DNA of modern action and fighting games. Farewell, Itagaki-san. The ninja who changed gaming forever has finally taken his bow.

Read Next: Kim Kardashian Reveals Kanye West Would 'Give Away' Their Lamborghinis During Mental Health Episodes

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Get App

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Choose your device Android or IOS (Apple)