History of Tomonobu Itagaki in Timeline

Tomonobu Itagaki is a Japanese video game designer renowned for creating the Dead or Alive series. He is also credited with successfully reviving the Ninja Gaiden franchise in 2004, bringing it to a new generation of gamers. His contributions to the gaming industry led to IGN recognizing him as one of the top 100 game creators of all time in 2009. Itagaki's work is characterized by its fast-paced action, challenging gameplay, and distinctive character designs, solidifying his place as an influential figure in the action game genre.

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Full Timeline Success & Recognition

April 1, 1967: Tomonobu Itagaki's Birth

Tomonobu Itagaki was born on April 1, 1967.

March 1985: Graduation from High School

In March 1985, Tomonobu Itagaki graduated from Waseda University Senior High School.

1992: Graduation from Waseda University

In 1992, Tomonobu Itagaki graduated from the School of Law at Waseda University.

1992: Joining Tecmo

In 1992, Tomonobu Itagaki joined Tecmo and began producing successful video game franchises.

1992: Joining Tecmo as Graphics Programmer

In 1992, Tomonobu Itagaki joined Tecmo as a graphics programmer, working on the Super Famicom version of Tecmo Super Bowl.

1996: Breakthrough with Dead or Alive

In 1996, Tomonobu Itagaki had his career breakthrough with the first Dead or Alive game, created in response to Tecmo's request.

April 2001: Head of Third Creative Department

In April 2001, Tomonobu Itagaki was appointed the head of the third creative department at Tecmo.

July 2001: Team Ninja Leader

In July 2001, Tomonobu Itagaki assumed the post of Team Ninja Leader.

2003: Alleged Harassment Starting Date

In 2003, according to a former Tecmo employee's claim, Tomonobu Itagaki had allegedly initiated unwanted sexual advances towards her, leading to a sexual harassment suit filed in 2006.

June 2004: Executive Officer Appointment

In June 2004, Tomonobu Itagaki was appointed as an executive officer at Tecmo.

2004: Revival of the Ninja Gaiden Franchise

In 2004, Tomonobu Itagaki revived the Ninja Gaiden franchise.

2005: Comments on Japanese Gaming Industry

In 2005, Tomonobu Itagaki suggested that other Japanese developers should establish communications with the Western world to reverse the Japanese gaming industry slump.

2006: General Manager and Demotion

In 2006, Tomonobu Itagaki assumed the position of general manager of the high-end production department in February, but his Executive Officer position was taken away in August of the same year due to accusations of sexual harassment.

2006: Sexual Harassment Suit

In 2006, various gaming sites reported that an unnamed female former Tecmo employee had filed a sexual harassment suit against Tomonobu Itagaki. Tecmo demoted Itagaki and the accuser. Meanwhile, the court found Itagaki innocent of the charges.

June 2007: Innocent Verdict

In June 2007, Tomonobu Itagaki was judged innocent by a Tokyo district court regarding sexual harassment accusations.

June 2, 2008: Resignation from Tecmo and Lawsuit Announcement

On June 2, 2008, Tomonobu Itagaki announced his resignation from Tecmo and was suing the company for withholding a bonus promised for his previous works.

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June 2008: Departure from Tecmo and Lawsuit

In June 2008, Tomonobu Itagaki left Tecmo after 16 years, filing a lawsuit against the company for withholding bonus pay and suing its president for damages.

2008: Itagaki's Apology

In 2008, Tomonobu Itagaki privately apologized to Namco Bandai, stating that his aggressive language was a media strategy.

2009: IGN Top 100 Game Creators

In 2009, Tomonobu Itagaki was chosen by IGN as one of the top 100 game creators of all time.

2010: Devil's Third Reveal

In 2010, Devil's Third, a project Tomonobu Itagaki was working on with former members of Team Ninja under Valhalla Game Studios, was revealed shortly before E3.

September 2012: Release of Dead or Alive 5

Dead or Alive 5 was released in September 2012 without Tomonobu Itagaki's involvement.

September 2013: Release of Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate

In September 2013, Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate was released, one year after the original release of Dead or Alive 5.

February 2015: Release of Dead or Alive 5 Last Round

In February 2015, Dead or Alive 5 Last Round, the second and final iteration of Dead or Alive 5, was released.

March 2019: Release of Dead or Alive 6

In March 2019, Dead or Alive 6, the latest release in the franchise, was released without Itagaki's inclusion.

January 2021: Establishment of Itagaki Games

In January 2021, Tomonobu Itagaki announced that he had established a new game studio, Itagaki Games, and expressed interest in working with Microsoft again.

December 2021: Dissolution of Valhalla Game Studios

In December 2021, Valhalla Game Studios, which Tomonobu Itagaki founded, dissolved. He then formed a new company called Itagaki Games.

September 2024: Renaming of Itagaki Games

In September 2024, Itagaki Games was renamed to Itagaki Games Co., Ltd.

October 2024: Mistaken Dissolution Announcement

In early October 2024, it was mistakenly announced that Itagaki Games was being dissolved. This was an error because the studio was renamed to Itagaki Games Co., Ltd.

October 2025: Tomonobu Itagaki's Death

In October 2025, news of Tomonobu Itagaki's death was posted by his family through a pre-written message on his Facebook account.

October 2025: Death of Tomonobu Itagaki

Tomonobu Itagaki died in October 2025, as announced by his family through a pre-written message on his Facebook account.

2025: Harada Reveals Apology

In 2025, series director Katsuhiro Harada revealed that Itagaki had apologized privately to Namco Bandai in 2008, saying he had respected Tekken and its staff, and that his aggressive language was part of a strategy to draw media attention, especially from Western gaming outlets.