The creator of the 'Dead or Alive' series Tomonobu Itagaki has passed away at 58

(All images via X)

He was producer and director of the first seven Dead or Alive games

Born in 1967, Itagaki joined Tecmo in 1992

He went on to release Ninja Gaiden Black, considered by some to be one of the greatest action games of all time

After leaving the company in 2008, following the launch of Ninja Gaiden 2, he formed Valhalla Game Studios

Itagaki's death comes just days before the release of Ninja Gaiden 4, an action sequel he had no involvement with.