The gaming world mourns the loss of Tomonobu Itagaki, the visionary game designer who revitalized the Ninja Gaiden franchise and created the acclaimed Dead or Alive fighting series. Itagaki passed away at 58, leaving behind an indelible mark on the action gaming genre that continues to influence developers worldwide.

Itagaki began his journey at Tecmo in 1992, where he would eventually establish his own development team, Team Ninja. The team's debut project, Dead or Alive, emerged as a formidable competitor to Sega's Virtua Fighter, immediately establishing Itagaki as a creative force in the fighting game community. Following several successful Dead or Alive installments, Itagaki masterfully revived the dormant Ninja Gaiden series in 2004, transforming it into one of the most celebrated action franchises of the modern era.

The news of Itagaki's passing was announced through his Facebook page, where a trusted friend shared his final prepared message to the world. While the specific circumstances surrounding his death remain undisclosed, his poignant final words reveal a man who had contemplated his mortality and wanted to address his family and supporters directly.

"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"

Itagaki's straightforward yet deeply emotional final message captures the essence of a creator who consistently pushed creative boundaries throughout his career. His willingness to challenge conventions was evident in Dead or Alive's controversial fusion of sexuality and combat mechanics. The gaming community, including prominent figures like Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada, has expressed profound condolences and shared memories of Itagaki's influential career. His passing occurs just days before the scheduled release of the highly anticipated Ninja Gaiden 4, set to launch on October 21.

While Itagaki expressed regret about not creating another game for his fans, his existing body of work continues to bring enjoyment to millions of gamers globally. His legacy lives on through the action-packed Dead or Alive franchise and the modern interpretation of Ninja Gaiden that redefined action gaming standards. Tomonobu Itagaki's passing signifies the conclusion of an extraordinary chapter in gaming history, but his creative spirit endures through the unforgettable experiences he crafted for players worldwide.

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