Tomonobu Itagaki was an influential and polarizing game developer whose work left a lasting impact on action gaming. His career was marked by major successes as well as turbulent moments, and his legacy is best remembered through influential franchises he helped create during his time at Tecmo.

He was widely known for developing popular series For example, iconic titles like Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden. Despite his undeniable talent and charisma, his creative process was often full of personal bravado and controversy. After his departure from Tecmo in 2008, his public work became sparse, with his only notable title being a Wii U project released in 2015, Devil’s Third.

Even after stepping away from the big stage, he continued to embrace a lifestyle reminiscent of a rock star. A colleague recalled a memorable business trip to China during which Itagaki overindulged, becoming extremely inebriated and engaging in public disturbances by antagonizing passing taxis and causing a scene on the street. The night ended with a personal dispute between him and the colleague, although they reconciled before their return.

The same colleague also shared another astonishing episode from around 2015 in the United States that could have ended disastrously. In Los Angeles, where he had been scheduled as a speaker for a major industry event, he found himself in the emergency room after an eventful night. During a pre-event gathering in their hotel room, he stepped out onto the balcony and boldly declared his ambition to gain global influence while urging everyone to join him. His exuberant proclamation quickly led to the arrival of approximately 10 local police patrol cars with officers on standby, creating a situation reminiscent of the high-intensity scenarios featured in his own fighting game series.

Following that incident, Itagaki spent nearly six weeks in the hospital. Although he went on to release a few smaller projects afterward, he never truly returned to the forefront of game development. Nonetheless, the spirit of his work endures, as "as demonstrated by the recent unveiling of a new" installment in the celebrated Dead or Alive series, which promises to capture the edgy and provocative character that his creations were always known for.

• Renowned for innovative franchises developed during his time at Tecmo
• Known for his outspoken nature and controversial public behavior
• Experienced tumultuous moments during international trips, including an incident in China
• A dramatic episode in Los Angeles showcased his larger-than-life persona
• Left a lasting legacy through enduring game series, with a new installment continuing his influence