Industry leaders in Japan recently gathered to honor Tomonobu Itagaki, the creator of Dead or Alive and the 3D Ninja Gaiden series, who passed away in October at age 58. The memorial venue was filled with heartfelt tributes, including copies of his games, artwork, swords, and pieces of his iconic clothing. Photos shared by attendees showed just how much he meant to the gaming community.
Itagaki was a major figure in Japanese game development. He founded Team Ninja in the late 1990s and helped shape modern action and fighting games. At the memorial, Koei Tecmo executive Yosuke Hayashi shared memories of meeting him in 2001. Hayashi recalled being assigned to Itagaki’s team and being told there was no work for him.
早矢仕洋介氏弔辞
（コーエーテクモゲームス代表取締役社長執行役員CEO・コーエーテクモホールディングス取締役副社長）
『板垣伴信をヴァルハラに送る会』にて#itagaki https://t.co/HPmFpDXixg pic.twitter.com/az4Y2lTve0— 勝田 晴美 (@katsuta_harumi) November 28, 2025
“I was assigned to your department as a game planner. You told me you had no work for me. That’s what you told me. Two weeks after I was assigned, I really had no work, haha. At the time, I lamented my bad luck, thinking it was the worst possible encounter,” he said (via a Redditor translator).
It’s touching to see the industry come together to honor Tomonobu Itagaki’s contributions. His work on Dead or Alive and 3D Ninja Gaiden has left a lasting impact on gaming. It’s a reminder of how influential creators shape our experiences.
truly shaped the fighting game genre and pushed the boundaries of 3D graphics in gaming. It’s fascinating to think about how his innovations continue to influence new titles today.
You’re absolutely right! Itagaki’s influence extended beyond just the fighting genre; his innovative approaches to character design and storytelling have inspired many developers across various genres. His legacy will surely continue to impact future game design.
design choices and storytelling techniques have shaped many aspects of game development. It’s interesting to see how his work on Ninja Gaiden redefined action games, setting a high standard for later titles. His legacy truly spans across multiple genres!
Absolutely! Itagaki’s innovative approach to gameplay mechanics truly set a standard in the industry. His emphasis on fluid combat and character design not only influenced action games but also pushed the boundaries of what was possible in 3D environments. It’s fascinating to see how his legacy continues to inspire new generations of developers.