The gaming world has lost its most forceful personality, as the enigmatic and fiery Tomonobu Itagaki has left us. A man whose reputation was built on his ferocity, he had no tolerance for weakness or mediocrity – both in himself and those around him. His unwavering conviction often led to heated confrontations, but this same unyielding spirit helped forge some of the most iconic games of all time.
As I recall our first meeting at E3 2002, where we bonded over our shared passion for gaming, it's clear that Itagaki was a force to be reckoned with. We forged an unbreakable bond during my time at Electronic Gaming Monthly and later GMR, both of which featured Itagaki's games on the cover. Behind his tough exterior lay a person of great loyalty, wit, and kindness – someone who didn't suffer fools gladly but respected those who were honest and direct with him.
Those who knew him understood that beneath his rough demeanor, he was a gentle soul with a penchant for soft-spoken humor. His legendary karaoke sessions, where he would unleash his inner rockstar on Japanese ballads, remain an unforgettable memory. However, even in those moments of levity, there was always an air of intensity, a sense that this man was never truly off-duty.
Itagaki's departure from Tecmo in 2008 – a company he had saved with the Dead or Alive series – marked the beginning of his most personal and productive period. His team remained loyal to him, even as the notoriously demanding Japanese gaming industry pushed its developers to the limits. While Itagaki was known for pushing boundaries, it was clear that he also valued those around him.
In a poignant revelation just over a year ago, Itagaki shared his struggles with heavy drinking and his subsequent decision to cut back on his hard-hitting lifestyle – all done at the behest of his doctors. However, even this momentary respite from his usual antics was marred by hospitalization. A visit to see him shortly before his passing revealed that he still had a wicked sense of humor and a heart of gold.
Itagaki's legacy is cemented in the countless games he created during his tenure at Team Ninja – titles like Dead or Alive, Ninja Gaiden, and Devil's Third that brought unparalleled joy to millions. Though his final project remains unfinished, we can take solace in knowing that it was a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft.
As we bid farewell to this enigmatic figure, it's clear that Tomonobu Itagaki left an indelible mark on the gaming world. His unrelenting spirit, fierce loyalty, and genuine passion for gaming have inspired countless developers and fans alike. We may never see another force like him, but his impact will continue to resonate through the games he created – a lasting tribute to his remarkable life.
As I recall our first meeting at E3 2002, where we bonded over our shared passion for gaming, it's clear that Itagaki was a force to be reckoned with. We forged an unbreakable bond during my time at Electronic Gaming Monthly and later GMR, both of which featured Itagaki's games on the cover. Behind his tough exterior lay a person of great loyalty, wit, and kindness – someone who didn't suffer fools gladly but respected those who were honest and direct with him.
Those who knew him understood that beneath his rough demeanor, he was a gentle soul with a penchant for soft-spoken humor. His legendary karaoke sessions, where he would unleash his inner rockstar on Japanese ballads, remain an unforgettable memory. However, even in those moments of levity, there was always an air of intensity, a sense that this man was never truly off-duty.
Itagaki's departure from Tecmo in 2008 – a company he had saved with the Dead or Alive series – marked the beginning of his most personal and productive period. His team remained loyal to him, even as the notoriously demanding Japanese gaming industry pushed its developers to the limits. While Itagaki was known for pushing boundaries, it was clear that he also valued those around him.
In a poignant revelation just over a year ago, Itagaki shared his struggles with heavy drinking and his subsequent decision to cut back on his hard-hitting lifestyle – all done at the behest of his doctors. However, even this momentary respite from his usual antics was marred by hospitalization. A visit to see him shortly before his passing revealed that he still had a wicked sense of humor and a heart of gold.
Itagaki's legacy is cemented in the countless games he created during his tenure at Team Ninja – titles like Dead or Alive, Ninja Gaiden, and Devil's Third that brought unparalleled joy to millions. Though his final project remains unfinished, we can take solace in knowing that it was a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft.
As we bid farewell to this enigmatic figure, it's clear that Tomonobu Itagaki left an indelible mark on the gaming world. His unrelenting spirit, fierce loyalty, and genuine passion for gaming have inspired countless developers and fans alike. We may never see another force like him, but his impact will continue to resonate through the games he created – a lasting tribute to his remarkable life.
just heard the news about Tomonobu Itagaki... what can u say? guy was a total boss in the gaming world 
always spoke his mind and never backed down 
but at the same time, he had this soft side too 
i mean who can forget those epic karaoke sessions 
? anywayz, his legacy lives on through all the amazing games he made 
gonna miss him alot 
i'm sad that this incredibly talented game dev is gone, but at the same time i can appreciate how unapologetically himself he was. the gaming world needs more people like him who aren't afraid to speak their minds and push boundaries - even if it means ruffling some feathers 
i loved reading about his softer side too, from karaoke nights to being loyal to those around him 
what's left behind is an incredible legacy of games that brought joy to so many ppl 
I mean can we get some actual discussion threads on this guy instead of just a glowing tribute? The fact that everyone's just singing Itagaki's praises without even bothering to critique his, let's say "aggressive" management style is kinda weird. And what about his treatment of women in his games and life? Did he really have no tolerance for weakness or mediocrity outside of gaming?
he was like a force of nature, you know? his passion for gaming was infectious and his dedication to his craft was inspiring... but also kinda intimidating 
i remember playing Devil's Third with him back in the day and just being blown away by his intensity 
I have so many fond memories of reading about his intense interviews back in the day with EGM and GMR, lol he was always such a firecracker! 
...and dont even get me started on ninja gaiden, that game was like a work of art 
And yeah, those karaoke sessions were EPIC 
his games were like a reflection of his personality - uncompromising, unapologetic, and totally mesmerizing 
but beyond the rough exterior lay a complex, multi-faceted person who didn't suffer fools gladly 
he was like a mad scientist, pushing boundaries and taking risks 
his legacy lives on through his incredible body of work - dead or alive, ninja gaiden, devil's third... so many unforgettable experiences 
. His intense personality made him a hero to many devs but also created some epic conflicts 
.
i mean, karaoke sessions? that's amazing! 
the fact that he wasnt afraid to speak his mind and push boundaries is somethin we can all learn from 
. Gotta respect how dedicated he was to his craft, even when it took a toll on himself. His games were always something special 
. His legacy is huge, but it's also bittersweet thinking about all the unfinished projects and what could've been 