The gaming world has lost one of its most iconic and outspoken figures. Tomonobu Itagaki, best known as the creator of the Dead or Alive series and for revitalizing Ninja Gaiden on Xbox, has passed away on October 16, 2025, at the age of 57.
Itagaki was a defining force at Tecmo during the late 1990s and early 2000s, known for his fierce commitment to gameplay precision and his unfiltered personality in interviews. His vision helped shape some of the most technically impressive action games of their time.
After leaving Tecmo, he founded Valhalla Game Studios and later explored blockchain gaming, continuing to push boundaries even outside the mainstream industry.
His influence on fighting games, action titles, and game development culture remains undeniable. Tomonobu Itagaki’s legacy will live on through every high-speed counter, every fluid combo, and every fan who still picks up Ninja Gaiden today.