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While the Ninja Gaiden series has been kicking around since the ’80s, the series’ modern incarntion owes everything to designer Tomonobu Itagaki. His edgy, violent, 3D reimagining of Ryu Hyabusa was an instant classic and served to reassert the series as the vanguard of action games. Along with work on the fighting game series Dead or Alive, Itagaki and his sunglasses quickly rose to prominence in the minds of many gamers in the 2000s. Now, the creator has passed away at the age of 58.
Although it isn’t clear how Itagaki passed, he did seem aware that his time was fading, as he prepared remarks to be published posthumously on his Facebook page. Here is what he said:
Last Words
The light of my life is finally about to go out.
The fact that this message is posted means that the time has finally come.
I am no longer in this world.
(This final post is entrusted to someone dear to me.)
My life was a series of battles.
I continued to win.
I caused a lot of trouble as well.
I take pride in having fought through, following my beliefs.
I have no regrets.
However, I am filled with regret for not being able to deliver new works to all my fans.
‘m sorry.
That’s how it is.
So it goes.
Itagaki Tomonobu
Tecmo Koei, which Itagaki was so closely associated with for so long, specifically Team Ninja, commented on his passing via the Team Ninja X account:
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Team NINJA’s first leader, Tomonobu Itagaki.
We will carry on the philosophy and creativity that Itagaki-san began and continue to create games that many gamers will enjoy.
Our deepest condolences for his loss.From everyone at Team…
— Team NINJA (@TeamNINJAStudio) October 16, 2025
Modern action game’s owe so much to Itagaki and what he helped to pioneer with Ninja Gaiden on Xbox. Outspoken, Itagaki was unapologetically himself all the way to the end. Nintendojo offers condolences to Itagaki’s family and friends at this time.
Source: Tomonobu Itagaki Facebook Page
