The gaming world mourns the loss of Tomonobu Itagaki, the visionary creator behind iconic franchises like Dead or Alive and the Ninja Gaiden revival. At the age of 58, Itagaki's final message, shared posthumously, resonates with a powerful declaration of a life lived on his own terms.
Itagaki, a name synonymous with innovation and a touch of controversy, left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. His 'final words,' entrusted to a close friend, were posted on his Facebook page, a poignant farewell hours before his passing was confirmed.
Last Words
"The light of my life is finally fading.
The fact that this message has been posted means that the time has finally come. I am no longer in this world.
(I am entrusting this final post to someone important to me.)
My life has been a series of battles. I kept winning.
I have caused a lot of trouble, too.
I am proud to say that I followed my beliefs and fought to the end.
I have no regrets.
However, I am filled with regret that I was unable to deliver a new work to all my fans. I am sorry.
That's how it is.
So it goes.
Itagaki Tomonobu"
Team Ninja, the studio that Itagaki helped build with the Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden franchises, expressed their deep sorrow, vowing to carry on his legacy of creativity. James Mielke, co-founder of Tigertron and BitSummit, shared a heartfelt tribute, calling Itagaki a brother. Tekken's Katsuhiro Harada expressed disbelief, reflecting on a shared desire to grab a drink together.
Itagaki's influence is undeniable. He joined Tecmo in 1992, initially working on graphics for Tecmo Super Bowl. But it was in 1998 with the creation of Dead or Alive that his distinctive style emerged. The series, known for its bold character designs and physics, showcased Itagaki's unique vision. His outspoken nature and willingness to challenge industry norms set him apart. The Ninja Gaiden series, which was revived in 2004, further cemented his reputation for creating challenging, action-packed games.
But here's where it gets controversial... Itagaki's departure from Tecmo in 2008 was a very public and acrimonious split. He alleged unpaid bonuses, a bold move that highlighted his willingness to stand up for his beliefs. He later founded Valhalla Game Studios, and Itagaki Games in 2021, after spending four years teaching game development.
Itagaki's death comes just days before the release of Ninja Gaiden 4, a sequel he was not involved in.
What do you think? Do you have a favorite Itagaki game? How do you remember his impact on the gaming world? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
