Overview

• A message titled “Last Words” appeared on his Facebook page, written in advance and posted by a loved one to announce his passing.
• James Mielke confirmed the death and shared a personal tribute, and Team Ninja offered condolences and said it will carry on his philosophy.
• Tekken producer Katsuhiro Harada and other developers publicly reacted to the news with remembrances.
• Itagaki led Team Ninja at Tecmo, created Dead or Alive, and directed the 2004 Ninja Gaiden reboot along with Ninja Gaiden Black and Ninja Gaiden 2, later founding Valhalla Game Studios and Itagaki Games.
• The news arrives days before the scheduled release of Ninja Gaiden 4, a title he did not work on.