Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[THQ looking to sell off Devil's Third]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-looking-to-sell-off-devils-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-looking-to-sell-off-devils-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-looking-to-sell-off-devils-third/#comments Ex-Team Ninja head Tomonobu Itagaki's first project after leaving Tecmo could be in trouble. During today's financial briefing call to investors, THQ president and CEO Brian Farrell said Devil's Third no longer fits the publisher's "profitability profile."

"The profitability profile for Devil's Third no longer met our internal threshold and we are currently in discussions with third parties regarding the future of this title," Farrell said. "There were a couple of unforeseen events that happened during the development of Devil's Third. One was the company that Valhalla was using for the engine went out of business, so we had to assist Itagaki and the team with a new engine - it took a fair amount of time and cost a fair amount of money."

The other big issue was the appreciation of the Yen, which reduced Devil's Third's potential for profit compared to other stuff in THQ's pipeline. "We think it's an excellent franchise; we've really enjoyed working with Itagaki-san, and we're going to explore other opportunities with him and others to make sure this product comes to market."

Devil's Third is the first project from Tomonobu Itagaki's new development studio, Valhalla Game Studios. Itagaki, who is quite possibly best known for his years at Tecmo on the Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden series of games, left Tecmo back in 2008.

JoystiqTHQ looking to sell off Devil's Third originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>devils-thirdmicrosoftplaystationps3thqtomonobu-itagakivalhalla-game-studiosxboxTue, 15 May 2012 17:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Hayashi: Team Ninja taming its 'sex and violence' image in DoA 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/hayashi-team-ninja-taming-its-sex-and-violence-image-in-doa-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/hayashi-team-ninja-taming-its-sex-and-violence-image-in-doa-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/hayashi-team-ninja-taming-its-sex-and-violence-image-in-doa-5/#comments Team Ninja boss Yosuke Hayashi says the studio's perspective has changed since Tomonobu Itagaki left in a huff in 2008, and even though most of its 200 staff are original team members, Hayashi is calling them his "new team." The most obvious shift is the new team's focus on creating an emotional experience, rather than eye candy, Hayashi tells Gamasutra.

"The old team was known for making games that just had two primary elements: Sex and violence," Hayashi says. "It was very obvious. The new team, we want to take it to a new level -- to a direction that contains emotional experiences that can move players."

That's right -- Team Ninja wasn't emotionally invested in all the sexy gameplay you had together, and now it's looking for something more meaningful. Hayashi may find his new, more mature gaming experience in a Dead or Alive crossover with Virtua Fighter, a la Street Fighter X Tekken, Edge reports.

"In terms of collaboration titles, there are staff on our team who just love fighting games and if there was any chance to do that we'd actively, possibly do that," Hayashi says.

"The first 3D game I played was Virtua Fighter; that's the IP I respect most. Virtua Fighter was the father of 3D gaming, so it's very well respected."

For now, one thing's certain: The women in Dead or Alive 5 will be more respectable, well-rounded (emotionally) than in previous titles. "We've always had the sex factor in the game; in the past, the female characters had to have big breasts, they had to have scanty dress," Hayashi says. "In DoA 5 especially, we're trying to focus on the real women that surround us: the voice of a female, the mannerisms. We are being realistic about it."

JoystiqHayashi: Team Ninja taming its 'sex and violence' image in DoA 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-5hayashiItagakimicrosoftplaystationps3sextamingTeam-Ninjatomonobu-itagakiviolencewomenxboxyosuke-hayashiTue, 14 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Itagaki's depression-fueled Armageddon/Aerosmith bender]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/itagakis-depression-fueled-armageddon-aerosmith-bender/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/itagakis-depression-fueled-armageddon-aerosmith-bender/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/itagakis-depression-fueled-armageddon-aerosmith-bender/#comments Did you think it was weird that Dead or Alive games often featured totally out-of-place Aerosmith songs? We always did, but that music choice was fully, definitively justified by Tomonobu Itagaki in a speech at DICE 2012.

Itagaki explained that the first PS2 release of Dead or Alive 2 (which only came out in Japan; the one at the US PS2 launch, DOA2 Hardcore, was a remake) was unfinished, and sent to manufacturing under false pretenses. A manager approached him and asked to borrow a copy of the in-progress game to play it. "Instead," he said, "it was taken into a factory for production on that day without me knowing it." The team only had two and a half months to work on it. "To be sure, the company made a huge profit."

The game had relatively low-quality, jagged graphics and a lack of extra content. Itagaki became depressed about the unfinished game. "I thought I would quit making games," he said. "Some of the staff, including me, were so depressed by this fact." In this state, he stayed home for "three or four months," drinking and repeatedly watching ... Armageddon, singing along to the sappy "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" with his daughter, which he admitted was a "stupid life." "If I close my eyes now and recall Armageddon, tears still come out," he said.

So the secret to the Aerosmith songs in those DOA games is that Itagaki seriously, unironically loves Aerosmith. The real surprise is that Bruce Willis never made it into any of the games.

JoystiqItagaki's depression-fueled Armageddon/Aerosmith bender originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-2dice-2012tecmo-koeitomonobu-itagakivalhalla-game-studiosThu, 09 Feb 2012 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Devil's Third coming 'early 2013,' possibly to Wii U]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/devils-third-coming-early-2013-possibly-to-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/devils-third-coming-early-2013-possibly-to-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/devils-third-coming-early-2013-possibly-to-wii-u/#comments Speaking to GAME Watch, Valhalla Game Studios head and apparent light sensitivity sufferer Tomonobu Itagaki offered a bit more clarification to the release window for his new action game, Devil's Third. He said that it won't be ready until early 2013. That narrows it down a bit -- we knew it was sometime in either 2012 or early 2013. Itagaki said that the game is 100% complete in terms of mechanics, but only "20-30%" done as a complete product.

Devil's Third's multiplayer mode is currently playable, Itagaki said, and the team is working to boost the maximum player count to 32, at which point he will feel they have "done a good job."

Itagaki is also considering a Wii U release, which is hardly surprising -- judging by the third-party sizzle reel, publisher THQ is deeply into the platform. Itagaki himself thinks the Wii U is a good idea for Japanese homes without space for multiple televisions, and is "very excited" about possibly getting his game onto the new console.

JoystiqDevil's Third coming 'early 2013,' possibly to Wii U originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>devils-thirdmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3thqtomonobu-itagakivalhalla-game-studioswiiwii-uxboxTue, 14 Jun 2011 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Itagaki 'would like' to offer 3D option in Devil's Third]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/itagaki-would-like-to-offer-3d-option-in-devils-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/itagaki-would-like-to-offer-3d-option-in-devils-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/itagaki-would-like-to-offer-3d-option-in-devils-third/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's still up in the air what the "third" in Devil's Third means -- could it be the third dimension? Tomonobu Itagaki told Impress Watch during a TGS 2010 interview (the game wasn't at the show in any kind of official capacity) that he was looking into 3D. "It's not a game that's built around it, but I'd like to at least offer it as an option," Andriasang translates.

3D was a hot topic at TGS 2010, something that Sony's pushing big time with the PS3. But what about the Xbox 360? Itagaki said he could do it, as long as it's "side by side" with the PS3 version, but considering his game won't be out for years -- Itagaki reiterated during the interview that the game would not launch in 2011 -- we'd suggest sitting back and seeing how this whole 3D thing plays out before diverting sunglasses and leather jacket funds to making the game 3D.

JoystiqItagaki 'would like' to offer 3D option in Devil's Third originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ddevils-thirdmicrosoftplaystationps3tomonobu-itagakivalhalla-game-studiosxboxMon, 20 Sep 2010 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Devil's Third expected before April 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/devils-third-expected-before-april-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/devils-third-expected-before-april-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/devils-third-expected-before-april-2013/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Previously only hinted in a slide on an investor presentation, we know have a somewhat clear idea of at least the year of release for Tomonobu Itagaki's new game, Devil's Third. "The game is currently scheduled for release in THQ's fiscal year ending March 31, 2013," according to publisher THQ's latest earnings release.

Perhaps Valhalla Game Studios would be able to get the game done before then, but the kind of quality that justifies Itagaki-level boasting takes time. Besides, there are trains to build.

JoystiqDevil's Third expected before April 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>devils-thirdfy-2013microsoftplaystationps3release-datethqtomonobu-itagakivalhalla-game-studiosxboxMon, 09 Aug 2010 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Itagaki: 'The era of pursuing technical strength has ended']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/itagaki-the-era-of-pursuing-technical-strength-has-ended/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/itagaki-the-era-of-pursuing-technical-strength-has-ended/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/itagaki-the-era-of-pursuing-technical-strength-has-ended/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When he was at the top of Team Ninja, Tomonobu Itagaki was seemingly obsessed with high-end graphics and processing power, choosing to work exclusively on the first Xbox for technical reasons. With his new Valhalla studio, Itagaki has shed that aspect of his public persona as well.

At a party for Famitsu Xbox 360's hundredth issue, Itagaki and Shinji Mikami recorded an installment of Itagaki's "Valhalla Freaks" column, during which the Dead or Alive creator declared that "the era of pursuing technical strength has ended," adding, "From here on out, we should pursue what makes games interesting and fun." According to Andriasang, Itagaki suggested that Japanese developers should share technology like some Western companies do.

Xbox 360 marketing chief Jouji Sakaguchi then undercut Itagaki's message about pursuing technical strength by announcing that the monitors for Xbox game demos at this year's Tokyo Game Show would be larger than last year's.

JoystiqItagaki: 'The era of pursuing technical strength has ended' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>famitsuitagakimicrosoftshinji-mikamitomonobu-itagakivalhalla-game-studiosxboxMon, 02 Aug 2010 10:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese devs sound off about 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/japanese-devs-sound-off-about-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/japanese-devs-sound-off-about-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/japanese-devs-sound-off-about-3ds/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Famitsu recently rounded up some high-profile Japanese developers to gauge their reactions to Nintendo's 3DS hardware. According to a translation by Andriasang, the responses ran from business-minded declarations of intent to somewhat philosophical thinking-out-loud.

Street Fighter IV producer Yoshinori Ono seemed to be most able to keep his excitement in check. He was collected and business-minded when he said, "We'd like to put in some ideas that make effective use of the portability." Hideo Kojima was happy that he wouldn't have to change glasses to use 3DS and mused about the implementation of CO-OPs, the multiuplayer mode featured in Peace Walker, "and other things -- elements fitting of a 3D and portable game machine." Super Monkey Ball (and Yakuza) creator Toshihiro Nagoshi, already working on a 3DS Monkey Ball game, said that he would "like to make a variety of proposals" for games that use the Wi-Fi and 3D aspects of the system. Shinji Mikami and Tomonobu Itagaki were on their way to a meeting in which they planned to talk about the system (and eat yakiniku).

Others developers got more ... philosophical. Suda 51, for example, wants to make "The Next Game," in the same sense that he sees 3DS as "The Next Hardware." Bayonetta producer Hideki Kamiya hopes to make "a 3D game where you can enjoy the feeling of existence given by portable 3D." Kamiya's Platinum Games partner Atsushi Inaba, "experienced a strong jolt of the feeling 'I want to make something.'" He added, "Since the start of the game industry, there's never been a system that better fit the words 'dream' and 'next generation.'"

JoystiqJapanese devs sound off about 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DSatsushi-inabadsHideki-KamiyaHideo-KojimanintendoShinji-MikamiSuda51Tomonobu-Itagakiyoshinori-onoWed, 14 Jul 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Devil's Third is Itagaki's bloody, bullet-filled new game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/12/devils-third-is-itagakis-bloody-bullet-filled-new-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/12/devils-third-is-itagakis-bloody-bullet-filled-new-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/12/devils-third-is-itagakis-bloody-bullet-filled-new-game/#comments Missed Tomonobu Itagaki? After a controversial departure from Tecmo, the producer of Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden found himself with some free time ... and a job offer from THQ. Devil's Third is the debut game from his new studio, Valhalla Games -- and it features all the violence and gore that you'd want from an Itagaki game. Unlike many of his previous titles, this looks to be a multiplatfom release, gracing both the PS3 and Xbox 360.

Check out the trailer, courtesy of GameTrailers, after the break.

Continue reading Devil's Third is Itagaki's bloody, bullet-filled new game

JoystiqDevil's Third is Itagaki's bloody, bullet-filled new game originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Jun 2010 00:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>devils-thirde3-2010itagakimicrosoftplaystationps3thqtomonobu-itagakivalhalla-game-studiosxboxSat, 12 Jun 2010 00:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Itagaki's Valhalla Game Studios project to be unveiled at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/itagakis-valhalla-game-studios-project-to-be-unveiled-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/itagakis-valhalla-game-studios-project-to-be-unveiled-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/itagakis-valhalla-game-studios-project-to-be-unveiled-at-e3/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As any of us in the video game journotainment industry will tell you, the only truly dark days are the ones you don't get to spend writing about Tomonobu Itagaki. Not only is the man a constant font of great quotes, but once you make a crack about his leather jacket and sunglasses, you're halfway through your word count. Question: How long's it been since we've written about Itagaki? Answer: far, far too long.

Mercifully, the drought will end at E3, where Itagaki has revealed he'll be announcing the inaugural project from Valhalla Game Studios. No hints about the new project yet, but when you've gone more than two months without sunshine in your life, you take what you can get.

[Via IGN]

JoystiqItagaki's Valhalla Game Studios project to be unveiled at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2010itagakitomonobu-itagakivalhalla-game-studiosWed, 09 Jun 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[What Itagaki's been playing: 400 hours of Dragon Quest IX]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/what-itagakis-been-playing-400-hours-of-dragon-quest-ix/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/what-itagakis-been-playing-400-hours-of-dragon-quest-ix/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/what-itagakis-been-playing-400-hours-of-dragon-quest-ix/#comments After taking the past two years off from game development following a messy breakup with his old employer, Tecmo, Tomonobu Itagaki is back in the game (biz) as chief creative officer of Valhalla Game Studios. But what was Itagaki up to in those two years? Speaking with Famitsu (translated by 1UP), the Dead or Alive creator explained, "I spent the days doing anything I felt like, researching whatever kind of technology struck me, playing whatever games piqued my interest ... for example, I wound up playing Dragon Quest IX for about 400 hours." That's alotta slime!

In fairness, the developer wasn't exclusively sinking hundreds of hours of his free time into a single DS game -- he also spent quite a bit of time traveling to game studios around the world and doing R&D work for Valhalla's next (read: first) project, claimed to be "way outside the scope of our company" by Itagaki. According to him, that next game "will earn Valhalla Game Studios its place in history," and he intends it to sell at least four million copies. But for now, he's got a model train set to build with some of his friends.

"I'm planning to rent out some space and build a seriously big train layout, 7 or so meters (23 feet) in length. There are some professionals in that field among my friends, so I'm thinking about building something really decent together with them and having people come over and play with the results. It'd be a business, though I'd make it free for children -- kids are pretty rough with model trains, but I'll just have to deal with that." Kids these days.

JoystiqWhat Itagaki's been playing: 400 hours of Dragon Quest IX originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DQ9Dragon-QuestDragon-Quest-9-Sentinels-of-the-Starry-Skiesdragon-quest-ixDSitagakiJRPGLevel-5model-trainsNintendoRPGSquare-Enixtomonobu-itagakivalhalla-game-studiosWed, 07 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Solved mysteries: Itagaki's leather jacket and sunglasses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/solved-mysteries-itagaki-and-his-leather-jacket-and-sunglasses/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/solved-mysteries-itagaki-and-his-leather-jacket-and-sunglasses/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/solved-mysteries-itagaki-and-his-leather-jacket-and-sunglasses/#comments You may think that, being born into this world, Tomonobu Itagaki escaped the womb wearing a pair of sunglasses and one bitchin' leather jacket -- and you may well be right. Back then, medical records simply did not document such phenomena. Also, if the records did, we wouldn't know because we can't read Japanese. Let's just say he did.

Moving on, it would seem Itagaki doesn't have to don the shades and treated animal skin for every picture taken, as this interview with his new outfit, Valhalla Game Studios, shows. The leather and sunglasses are more part of his press persona, which stems from his original dream of being "a pro gambler of mahjong."

"If you let someone read your eyes, you may lose many chances to win," Itagaki said. "So I came to wearing sunglasses outside. Basically." You know, it's a simple explanation, but it takes some of the magic out of it, don't you think? Regardless, head on over and give the interview a read for insight into how Valhalla set up the new office work flow and how it plans to get its upcoming not-a-fighter onto store shelves.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqSolved mysteries: Itagaki's leather jacket and sunglasses originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakijapanleather-jacketleather-jacketssunglassestomonobu-itagakivalhalla-game-studiosMon, 15 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Valhalla Game Studios' headed up by Tomonobu Itagaki]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/valhalla-game-studios-headed-up-by-tomonobu-itagaki/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/valhalla-game-studios-headed-up-by-tomonobu-itagaki/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/valhalla-game-studios-headed-up-by-tomonobu-itagaki/#commentsTomonobu Itagaki has revealed, if not his new game, the place where he'll be making his new game: Valhalla Game Studios. In a Famitsu interview (translated by 1UP), the Dead or Alive creator announced that he is in charge of the development department for the new studio, created by Tecmo alum Satoshi Kanematsu.

The studio is staffed by about 50 people, a number Itagaki told Famitsu was intentional. "That may expand a bit, but it's not going to be a 100-person company," he said. "50 people working for two years can produce something better than 100 people working for one year. 100 times 1 and 50 times 2 may produce the same number, but not in creative businesses like this one." Larger, public companies, he said, "have to prove their worth to the stock market on a year-by-year basis, and that means they can't focus all-out on quality."

Whatever Itagaki's new game is, it won't be a fighter. For one thing, "I already made Dead or Alive, the best fighting game in the world, in my last company." Besides, he said, "Fighting games are kind of at another dead end right now" without another DOA-type disruption.

Joystiq'Valhalla Game Studios' headed up by Tomonobu Itagaki originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alivesatoshi-kanematsutecmotomonobu-itagakivalhalla-game-studiosWed, 03 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Itagaki's suit against Tecmo ends in settlement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/itagaki-suit-against-tecmo-ends-in-settlement/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/itagaki-suit-against-tecmo-ends-in-settlement/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/itagaki-suit-against-tecmo-ends-in-settlement/#commentsFinally, Tomonobu Itagaki can have a restful night of sleep in his sunglasses. The ongoing legal dispute between the Dead or Alive creator and former employer Tecmo, over unpaid salary and bonuses, has ended in a settlement. Itagaki announced the resolution of the dispute in a public statement.

Itagaki didn't specify the terms, but we can only imagine a copy of Dead or Alive Paradise was involved. "How could I resist?" we imagine him saying, "It's my own private paradise, in the palm of my hand!"

As for things Itagaki actually said, the statement (per Andriasang's translation) revealed that he's working on something new: "I cannot wait for the day when I can announce to everyone the new title that I'm currently conceiving." Itagaki's aiming for "world class entertainment" with "a greater depth of play than before."

JoystiqItagaki's suit against Tecmo ends in settlement originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakikoei-tecmolawsuitlegalsettlementtecmotecmo-koeitomonobu-itagakiFri, 26 Feb 2010 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Itagaki has only nice things to say about Team Ninja's Metroid project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/itagaki-has-only-nice-things-to-say-about-team-ninjas-metroid-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/itagaki-has-only-nice-things-to-say-about-team-ninjas-metroid-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/itagaki-has-only-nice-things-to-say-about-team-ninjas-metroid-p/#commentsBeing away from Tecmo seems to have done wonders for Tomonobu Itagaki's attitude. In an E3 interview with 1UP's James Mielke, the former Team Ninja head said he was "very honored and pleased to be of service" in response to the suggestion that Ninja Blade was a close imitation of Ninja Gaiden. He admitted he was "pretty tired" of making games featuring super-unrealistic women. He even went so far as to praise Tekken 6 director Katsuhiro Harada, only hating on Tekken when pressed.

And rather than harbor hard feelings against his former Team Ninja colleagues who stayed on with Tecmo, Itagaki offered well wishes to the team and its Metroid: Other M project. He called Yoshio Sakamoto, Nintendo's producer on the game, "a veteran I really respect," and suggested that Team Ninja's Yosuke Hayashi "will learn a lot working with him. I hope Team Ninja works hard in making a good game." We like Nice Itagaki!

The only ire was reserved for Bayonetta. "If I made a similar game as a game I made in the company I quit," he said about Platinum's Hideki Kamiya, "people would say, 'What an idiot, can't he make anything else?' Well, that is more or less the opinion I have for, uh, that Bayo-something game."

JoystiqItagaki has only nice things to say about Team Ninja's Metroid project originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009itagakimetroid-other-mNintendoteam-ninjatecmotokyo-vikingstomonobu-itagakiWiiMon, 08 Jun 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomonobu Itagaki returns with new team, new game, same badass attitude]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/tomonobu-itagaki-returns-with-new-team-new-game-same-badass-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/tomonobu-itagaki-returns-with-new-team-new-game-same-badass-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/tomonobu-itagaki-returns-with-new-team-new-game-same-badass-at/#comments
During a recent interview with 1UP, ex-Tecmo employee and leather lover Tomonobu Itagaki (along with comrades Hiroaki Matsui, Katsunori Ehara, and Yoshifuru Okamoto) iterated that he is returning to gaming, and will be backed up by a brand new team on a project for a future game. Unfortunately, we won't see anything on this new game at next week's E3, although Itagaki did confirm he would be in attendance.

The new company is tentatively called "Tokyo Vikings" (how ... appropriate) and is largely comprised of ex-Team Ninja staff, including a majority of the folks who worked on Ninja Gaiden 2. Surprisingly, his new team even managed to snag some key character designers from Virtua Fighter 5.

Itagaki was overall pretty tight-lipped about the new team and its mystery project, but did confirm that it wouldn't be a fighting game, as Itagaki is sure he's hit the ceiling there with Dead or Alive 4. He wouldn't comment on whether it would be an Xbox 360 exclusive, or heading to other consoles such as the PS3, but his past affiliations with Microsoft might suggest a likely path for his future games.

JoystiqTomonobu Itagaki returns with new team, new game, same badass attitude originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 May 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hiroaki-matsuijapankatsunori-eharakoeininja-gaiden-2team-ninjatecmotecmo-koeitokyo-vikingstomonobu-itagakivirtua-fighter-5yoshifuru-okamotoWed, 27 May 2009 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Itagaki says PS3 development easier than Famicom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/team-ninjas-itagaki-says-ps3-development-easier-than-famicom/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/team-ninjas-itagaki-says-ps3-development-easier-than-famicom/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/team-ninjas-itagaki-says-ps3-development-easier-than-famicom/#commentsFiled under:

According to former Tecmo employee and Team Ninja leader Tomonobu Itagaki (Dead or Alive series, Ninja Gaiden Sigma), developing for the PS3 is easy-peasy. "I don't think that developing for the PS3 is hard at all. It was much harder developing for the Famicom," Itagaki told 1UP. "It's true. I mean, give someone who's developing for the PS3 a Famicom and see if they can make a game for it. They won't be able to. Yeah, that'll prove it. We'll bet a drink on it."

For the longest time now, developers have been struggling with getting a hang of the PS3 hardware; for Itagaki, it's apparently nothing more than shooting the breeze on a Tuesday. So Itagaki-san, want to develop again for the PS3 and show these fools how it's done? It's been a while hasn't it?

JoystiqItagaki says PS3 development easier than Famicom originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakininja-gaidenteam-ninjatomonobu-itagakiWed, 27 Aug 2008 21:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Tecmo president resigns for 'personal reasons']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/tecmo-president-resigns-for-personal-reasons/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/tecmo-president-resigns-for-personal-reasons/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/tecmo-president-resigns-for-personal-reasons/#commentsFiled under:


Tecmo president Yoshimi Yasuda pulled a Mr. Hudsucker (minus the dying) and has left the company citing personal reasons. GI.biz reports his sword will be taken up by chairman of the board Yahuharu Kakihara as of Sept. 1.

Yasuda's personal reasons for leaving Tecmo might have something to do with the lawsuit brought by Ninja Gaiden's leather aficionado developer, Tomonobu Itagaki. Tecmo took a hit to its stock following Itagaki's departure (and subsequent fallout), so this changing of the guard might be a sign that the company is ready to clean up the mess and move on.

JoystiqTecmo president resigns for 'personal reasons' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsteam-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagakiyasuharu-kakiharayoshimo-yasudaWed, 20 Aug 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Tecmo fires back, says details of lawsuit are 'inaccurate']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/tecmo-fires-back-says-details-of-lawsuit-are-inaccurate/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/tecmo-fires-back-says-details-of-lawsuit-are-inaccurate/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/tecmo-fires-back-says-details-of-lawsuit-are-inaccurate/#commentsFiled under:


Much like a war that rages on for centuries, the struggle between Tomonobu Itagaki and his almost-former (July 1) employer, Tecmo, continues. The latest volley in this exchange between parties shows Tecmo bashing the lawsuit, claiming the details are "inaccurate."

Within the statement, Tecmo is quick to point out that all of Team Ninja's employees aren't following their leader and quitting. Tecmo also says that all 300 employees aren't filing lawsuits against the company.

For the rest from Tecmo's official statement, we suggest you head past the post break.

Continue reading Tecmo fires back, says details of lawsuit are 'inaccurate'

JoystiqTecmo fires back, says details of lawsuit are 'inaccurate' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessitagakilawsuitteam-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagakiFri, 20 Jun 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Tecmo hits Itagaki with gag order]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/tecmo-hits-itagaki-with-gag-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/tecmo-hits-itagaki-with-gag-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/tecmo-hits-itagaki-with-gag-order/#commentsFiled under:

Man, things are crazy at Tecmo. Itagaki leaves (and sues), then Tecmo responds (and stocks plummet), then just about everyone at Tecmo sues their employer. Now, Tecmo has dropped a suppression order on Tomonobu, which would prohibit him from making any other public statements about what's going down.

The thing was filed on June 10th and seeks to prohibit Itagaki from:
  • Talking about, destroying or leaking any Tecmo secrets concerning software, development or marketing
  • Making false or misleading statements regarding Tecmo's business practices or other games
  • Saying anything to defame Tecmo
  • Making public statements about Tecmo in any way, as well as accepting media invitations to discuss Tecmo while still employed (July 1st)
[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqTecmo hits Itagaki with gag order originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessgagjapanteam-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagakiWed, 18 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tecmo attempts to quiet Itagaki, denies exodus rumors]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/tecmo-attempts-to-quiet-itagaki-denies-exodus-rumors/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/tecmo-attempts-to-quiet-itagaki-denies-exodus-rumors/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/tecmo-attempts-to-quiet-itagaki-denies-exodus-rumors/#commentsFiled under:


In an effort to quell widespread rumors surrounding the business practices of the company, Tecmo has filed an injunction against former Team Ninja lead Tomonobu Itagaki. Filed in a Tokyo District Court, the injunction places a four-point gag order on Itagaki, effectively removing his opinion from the public forum beyond his existing comments on the matter against Tecmo.

The provisional disposition prohibits:
  • Disclosing or leaking information regarding Tecmo's game software, sales, development or any other company secrets
  • Using newspapers, magazines and the internet to criticize company software and company employees
  • Obstructing the company's business through slanderous remarks to third parties
  • Interviews regarding Tecmo or discuss the company and its practices to the press
In a statement made today, Tecmo has vehemently denied recent reports that dozens of Team Ninja employees have resigned in the wake of Itagaki's announcement and a lawsuit has been filed against the company on behalf of its 300 employees. Calling the reports "groundless" and "inaccurate," Tecmo has asked the media to approach the situation with a fair and balanced view. We'll update the story as details emerge, however, as proven by the injunction against Itagaki it looks like Tecmo would like to silence anyone who could shed light on the situation.

[via Talking About Games & Joystiq]

JoystiqTecmo attempts to quiet Itagaki, denies exodus rumors originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakilawsuitpoliticsteam-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagakiWed, 18 Jun 2008 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[All Tecmo employees sue Tecmo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/all-tecmo-employees-sue-tecmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/all-tecmo-employees-sue-tecmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/all-tecmo-employees-sue-tecmo/#commentsFiled under:


We thought it was bad when Tomonobu Itagaki left Tecmo, but little did we know it was about to get much, much worse. As rumored over the weekend, employees of the company are suing for unpaid bonuses. Well, it's not exactly the same as the weekend rumor, which said the lawsuit would come from three dozen or so higher ups. No, apparently the lawsuit has been filed on behalf of all 300 of the company's employees. A Famitsu article on the subject also says the suit complains of employees not getting holiday and overtime pay that they are owed.

So, in short, Tecmo is eating itself. You may now carry on with your day.

[Via X3F]

JoystiqAll Tecmo employees sue Tecmo originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakitecmotomonobu-itagakiTue, 17 Jun 2008 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Tecmo possibly facing Obliteration]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/tecmo-possibly-facing-obliteration/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/tecmo-possibly-facing-obliteration/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/tecmo-possibly-facing-obliteration/#commentsFiled under:

After Itagaki decided to leave due to unpaid bonuses, it looked as though things might just end with that. Then came the rumor that around three dozen employees would follow suit. Now it seems like Tecmo has been dismembered and is just waiting for the inevitable OT. A lawsuit was filed in Tokyo District Court just yesterday on behalf of all 300 of Tecmo's remaining employees, and according to one translation claims that "Tecmo has falsified documents and accounting procedures in regards to employment statuses, overtime pay and various lapses in employment standards when filing documents for labor inspections."

Additionally, a Famitsu article on the same topic also notes that employees were not getting their overtime pay, nor were they well-compensated for working on public holidays. The Google Translation of the original Japanese story is a bit dry and difficult to follow (as is to be expected from a computer translation) but specific words such as "forge" and "impersonation" hint at the kind of trouble Tecmo could be facing before this is all over.

Whatever happens, we just hope that the talent from Tecmo's various projects all end up alright and get the compensation they deserve. We're certainly no experts, but from what we hear, Japanese game devs (heck, game devs in general) are run pretty ragged and really do deserve their bonuses ...

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqTecmo possibly facing Obliteration originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakilawsuittecmotomonobu-itagakiTue, 17 Jun 2008 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Up to three dozen Team Ninja members leave with Itagaki, AND file lawsuits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/rumor-up-to-three-dozen-team-ninja-members-leave-with-itagaki/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/rumor-up-to-three-dozen-team-ninja-members-leave-with-itagaki/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/rumor-up-to-three-dozen-team-ninja-members-leave-with-itagaki/#commentsFiled under: ,

Wait, you mean there's actually a rumor today that didn't come from the infamous survey? Yup, indeed there is. This one comes to us from the good folks over at 1up who have been keeping their collective ears to the ground for just this purpose. Apparently, when Tomonobu Itagaki left Tecmo for not receiving his bonus, key members of the team realized just how badly they'd been shafted, and left as well.

So now the word is that they've all filed individual lawsuits of their own in response to not receiving their bonuses either. If Microsoft was smart they'd grab all these guys and give them a studio and game right away. Or maybe (despite what time and space may have to say about it) they already have ...

JoystiqRumor: Up to three dozen Team Ninja members leave with Itagaki, AND file lawsuits originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagaki-sanmicrosoftninja-bladeteam-ninjatomonobu-itagakiSun, 15 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Three dozen Team Ninja devs leaving with Itagaki, suing Tecmo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/rumor-three-dozen-team-ninja-devs-leaving-with-itagaki-suing-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/rumor-three-dozen-team-ninja-devs-leaving-with-itagaki-suing-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/rumor-three-dozen-team-ninja-devs-leaving-with-itagaki-suing-t/#commentsFiled under:


Losing one of your company's most recognizable figureheads, especially one whose name is so closely associated with most of your best-selling properties, is bound to put a damper on things around the office. However, that last statement assumes that there are still people in the office -- 1UP recently printed a rumor that as many as three dozen Team Ninja higher-ups could be leaving the company following Tomonobu Itagaki's resignation, and will sue Tecmo to gain unpaid bonuses for the games they've completed (much like the class-action suit Itagaki planned to file against the company following his departure).

1UP's source for the rumor was the ever-present "word on the street", though that's likely just rumorese for "we have an inside source". Whoever it may be, we doubt it's the same hopeful Tecmo higher-up who recently assured the public that Team Ninja was going to be just fine, as losing your poster boy, a heartbreaking amount of stock market value, and supposedly, a healthy portion of your workforce in such a short period of time would surely make any game developer feel anything but.

JoystiqRumor: Three dozen Team Ninja devs leaving with Itagaki, suing Tecmo originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Jun 2008 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakilawsuitresignationrumorteam-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagakiSun, 15 Jun 2008 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Introducing the Ninja Gaiden II page]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/introducing-the-ninja-gaiden-ii-page/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/introducing-the-ninja-gaiden-ii-page/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/introducing-the-ninja-gaiden-ii-page/#commentsFiled under:


Ladies and gentlmen, fanboys and girls, Xbox 360 Fanboy presents the Ninja Gaiden II page. This is our first page dedicated to a single game (you may have seen similar pages on Joystiq). On the page you will find all the major Ninja Gaiden II news stories, every Ninja Gaiden II screenshot, and all the Ninja Gaiden II features compiled into a single, bookmark-friendly page. The page will be updated as time goes on to include other features and stories as well (including an upcoming episode of Points>Life). This is only the first dedicated game page on X3F. Expect more to show up in the future. With major 360 exclusives right around the corner (Gears of War 2, Fable 2), there's plenty to cover.

For all things Ninja Gaiden II, check out the page right now.

JoystiqIntroducing the Ninja Gaiden II page originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagakiTue, 10 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomonobu Itagaki: A Blood Splattered History]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/tomonobu-itagaki-a-blood-splattered-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/tomonobu-itagaki-a-blood-splattered-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/tomonobu-itagaki-a-blood-splattered-history/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Now that Ninja Gaiden 2 developer Tomonobu Itagaki has departed from Tecmo and Team Ninja (and left a lawsuit in his stead), our friends at X3F have compiled a retrospective on Itagaki's career with the company. From his beginnings as a programmer for Tecmo Bowl, through Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden and all the way to his departure, everything is covered.

Join us as we take a stroll through memory lane and examine the games, the controversies and the impending future of Tomonobu Itagaki. Click here, get educated.

JoystiqTomonobu Itagaki: A Blood Splattered History originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alivedoaxitagakininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjaTecmotomonobu-itagakiXbox-360Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Tecmo stock down on loss of Itagaki]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/tecmo-stock-down-on-loss-of-itagaki/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/tecmo-stock-down-on-loss-of-itagaki/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/tecmo-stock-down-on-loss-of-itagaki/#commentsFiled under:

It looks like the departure of Tomonobu Itagaki from Tecmo is doing more than upsetting fans of Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive. It seems as though Itagaki's exit has worried Tecmo stockholders on the Tokyo Stock Exchange as well. According to GameSpot, shares in the company fell sharply on Wednesday upon the news. Upon closing on Tuesday, Tecmo's shares stood at ¥1,102 ($10.40). Shares fell to ¥985 ($9.30) upon opening Wednesday. The stock rose and fell throughout the day today, closing at ¥982 ($9.27). Ouch.

It will be interesting to see if this trend continues without Itagaki at the helm of Team Ninja.

JoystiqTecmo stock down on loss of Itagaki originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessitagakiteam-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagakiThu, 05 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomonobu Itagaki: A Blood Splattered History]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/tomonobu-itagaki-a-blood-splattered-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/tomonobu-itagaki-a-blood-splattered-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/tomonobu-itagaki-a-blood-splattered-history/#commentsFiled under:


With the news of his recent departure and the release of his final swan-song to the Ninja Gaiden series, Tomonobu Itagaki has had an amazing career.

We've already tackled the history of Ninja Gaiden in our previous retrospective, A History of Violence, but this time we're going back to look at one of Ryu's most influential allies.

In this special feature we look back at the history of the man and how he helped re-shape Tecmo in the early 90s to the company they are today. Join us as we take a stroll through memory lane and examine the games, the controversies and the impending future of Tomonobu Itagaki.

Continue reading Tomonobu Itagaki: A Blood Splattered History

JoystiqTomonobu Itagaki: A Blood Splattered History originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagakiThu, 05 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tecmo responds to Itagaki, stock prices fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/tecmo-responds-to-itagaki-stock-prices-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/tecmo-responds-to-itagaki-stock-prices-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/tecmo-responds-to-itagaki-stock-prices-fall/#commentsFiled under:

Well, what did you expect when one of the most notable icons in the gaming industry decided to depart from his longtime employer practically out of nowhere? Certainly Itagaki and Tecmo's president, Yoshimi Yasuda, wouldn't just shake hands, agree to disagree and go their separate ways. There's money at stake here!

And following Itagaki's departure, Tecmo has finally come out and said some things regarding the bad break-up. "The legal complaint is in regard to a claim to an incentive bonus linked to a past project," says the Tecmo press release. "The parties could not reach an amicable resolution to this matter, and Itagaki chose to seek a legal remedy. Tecmo will let the court decide the outcome of this case and will seek a true, fair, and quick resolution." For fans who are looking forward to other installments in Team Ninja's franchises, apparently Tecmo is still planning on producing those games, as the press release says that Team Ninja is "intact and, as a matter of fact, has several new projects already underway."

Despite the company's commitment to supporting these franchises, many think Itagaki's departure will be a bad thing for Tecmo, as stock prices plummeted in the wake of the Team Ninja head's resignation. Taking a 10% loss in price, you can bet Tecmo is not happy about this whole fiasco. One thing Tecmo will undoubtedly be giddy about, however, is the new smoke-free offices and policy that dictates employees aren't allowed to get wasted on whiskey while on the job.

Source - Tecmo fires back at Itagaki
Source - Stocks plummet after Itagaki departure

JoystiqTecmo responds to Itagaki, stock prices fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessitagakijapanlawsuitstockstockstecmotomonobu-itagakiThu, 05 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Would You Rather ... Future Ninja Edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/would-you-rather-future-ninja-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/would-you-rather-future-ninja-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/would-you-rather-future-ninja-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,


In our continuing effort to bring you fresh and interesting content, X3F presents Would You Rather ... a weekly feature that asks you the hard questions. The point? If you had to choose one or the other, which would you go for?

With his recent departure from Tecmo (well, technically he still works there until July 1), Tomonobu Itagaki has created the last Ninja Gaiden title of his career. It now appears to be obvious that his talk of Ninja Gaiden 2 being the last in the series stemmed from the knowledge of his future plans (aka quitting and suing parent company Tecmo). So, another Ninja Gaiden title is probably going to happen because franchises that make money don't disappear. The question is, do you think the folks at Team Ninja can do it without Itagaki?

We're sure they can, but ... would you want them to? So this week in WUR--a new Ninja Gaiden hits stores without Itagaki. What do you do soldier? What do you do? (Shooting a hostage is not an option).

Feel free to share the reasons for your vote in the comments. We'll share the results of the poll during the next edition of Would You Rather ... which hits X3F every Wednesday.

Last weeks WUR results can be find after the jump ... come in and check it out for free!

Continue reading Would You Rather ... Future Ninja Edition

JoystiqWould You Rather ... Future Ninja Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2team-ninjatomonobu-itagakiwould-you-ratherwurWed, 04 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tecmo responds to Itagaki's remarks and departure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/tecmo-responds-to-itagakis-remarks-and-departure/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/tecmo-responds-to-itagakis-remarks-and-departure/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/tecmo-responds-to-itagakis-remarks-and-departure/#commentsFiled under:

After digesting what soon to be former Team Ninja member Tomonobu Itagaki had to say about their company and their president (it's Itagakigate!), Tecmo has taken the offensive.

Denying any responsibility for unpaid bonuses that Itagaki claims they didn't pay him, Tecmo says that they do and continue to pay bonuses to their employees and believes that the bonus Itagaki specifically mentioned in his letter was one that was promised by previous company management. Tecmo also says that the allegations about Tecmo CEO Yoshimi Yasuda are pretty much baseless and are a product of "distortions" by Itagaki. All in all, Tecmo isn't happy that Itagaki decided to make this legal mess a public issue and complained about the fact that Itagaki is acting like he exclusively developed the Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive properties. Like we said ... this is going to get U-G-L-Y.

JoystiqTecmo responds to Itagaki's remarks and departure originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>team-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagakiWed, 04 Jun 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A History of Violence: A Ninja Gaiden Retrospective]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/a-history-of-violence-a-ninja-gaiden-retrospective/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/a-history-of-violence-a-ninja-gaiden-retrospective/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/a-history-of-violence-a-ninja-gaiden-retrospective/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

A little bird told us Ninja Gaiden II was coming out today. Actually, that bird was more like a note attached to a shuriken with a flower on it, but the message was all the same. In honor of the series milestone and in memory of the now-former Ninja Gaiden designer Tomonobu Itagaki, we present you with a series retrospective we're affectionately dubbing A History of Violence (hey, we thought it was clever). Click here and be educated.

JoystiqA History of Violence: A Ninja Gaiden Retrospective originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSitagaking2ninja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiPS3team-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagakiXbox-360Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[A History of Violence: Ninja Gaiden Retrospective]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/a-history-of-violence-ninja-gaiden-retrospective/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/a-history-of-violence-ninja-gaiden-retrospective/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/a-history-of-violence-ninja-gaiden-retrospective/#commentsFiled under:


Twenty years ago a gaming icon was born. A ninja. Originally unknown to the world, gamers everywhere now know him as Ryu Hayabusa--star of today's hottest new release Ninja Gaiden II.

As the warrior Ryu steps into the shadows never to return again, we look back at his origins and humble beginnings. From the arcade, a brief stint at Sega, his wonder years at Nintendo and the new generation of HD-limb separating on the Xbox 360. This is his legacy, his legend, his history of violence.

Jump in and read the history of the videogame industry's favorite ultimate ninja!

JoystiqA History of Violence: Ninja Gaiden Retrospective originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008-releasesfeaturedjoystiqfeaturesninjaninja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2team-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagakiTue, 03 Jun 2008 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Itagaki leaves Tecmo, sues them on the way out [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/itagaki-leaves-tecmo-sues-them-on-the-way-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/itagaki-leaves-tecmo-sues-them-on-the-way-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/itagaki-leaves-tecmo-sues-them-on-the-way-out/#commentsFiled under:

Well now, somebody pass us the box of Kleenex tissues. Apparently, we'll never get another Ninja Gaiden on the DS, or any more Ninja Gaiden games period, as whiskey-swillin' and leather-wearing head of Team Ninja, Tomonobu Itagaki, has called it quits with Tecmo. The president of Tecmo, Yoshimi Yasuda, hasn't paid money that Itagaki is owed, he says.

And that's why Itagaki is suing for 148 million yen (US$1.5m) on his way out. Not only that, but Itagaki also says Yasuda "made demeaning remarks" about him to other employees, affecting his status at work, giving him "significant emotional distress" and "worsening [of his] personal relationships and work environment."

In his statement, Itagaki said there won't be any more Ninja Gaiden or Dead or Alive games from him, as the rights are retained by Tecmo. This will surely come as a huge disappointment to fans.

Update: Fixed a wording discrepancy.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqItagaki leaves Tecmo, sues them on the way out [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessitagakilawsuitninja-gaidenteam-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagakiTue, 03 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Itagaki sues Tecmo, decides to leave Team Ninja]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/itagaki-sues-tecmo-decides-to-leave-team-ninja/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/itagaki-sues-tecmo-decides-to-leave-team-ninja/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/itagaki-sues-tecmo-decides-to-leave-team-ninja/#commentsFiled under:

As we eagerly await our chance to experience the Ninja Gaiden II demo we just caught wind of a VERY juicy announcement coming from Mr. cool shades, Ninja Gaiden creator and Team Ninja member Tomonobu Itagaki. Simply stated, Itagaki is suing Tecmo and just announced plans to leave Team Ninja ... ZOMG!

According to 1UP who received an official letter from one of Itagaki's aids, Itagaki reveals that he is suing Tecmo for 145 million yen due to "unpaid completion bonuses" and because Itagaki claims that there were "unreasonable and disingenuous statements made towards me" by Tecmo's president Yoshimi Yasuda which caused "significant emotional distress." The letter goes on to say that the lawsuit is based on a "strong intent to question the social responsibility of Tecmo Co., Ltd." and that Itagaki will resign from Tecmo effective July 1st. Ending his letter, Itagaki addresses his fans, saying that Ninja Gaiden II "will be the last Ninja Gaiden I will create", mentions that he will never "be able to make Dead or Alive 5" and, for that, Itagaki regrets "the disappointment this will cause" those who have enjoyed his work.

Wow ... we're speechless. Itagaki leaves Team Ninja, leaves behind franchises that he helped bring to life and leaves both his fans and the industry, well ... speechless. We can only assume that Itagaki's battle with Tecmo will be hard fought and is going to get very, very ugly.

JoystiqItagaki sues Tecmo, decides to leave Team Ninja originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 04:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagaking2ninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagakiTue, 03 Jun 2008 04:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Breaking: Ninja Gaiden's Itagaki says 'Sayonara Tecmo, see you in court']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/breaking-ninja-gaidens-itagaki-says-sayonara-tecmo-see-you-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/breaking-ninja-gaidens-itagaki-says-sayonara-tecmo-see-you-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/breaking-ninja-gaidens-itagaki-says-sayonara-tecmo-see-you-i/#commentsFiled under: ,

Team Ninja head and creator of the landmark Dead or Alive fighting game series, Tomonobu Itagaki, has issued a statement announcing his resignation from long-time employer Tecmo. This news, first reported by 1UP, comes just as his latest creation, the Xbox 360 exclusive Ninja Gaiden 2, is due to hit US shelves.

In addition to resigning his position at the company - where he had a seat on the board of directors - Itagaki has announced his intention to sue Tecmo president Yoshimi Yasuda for 148 million yen (US$1.5m) in damages. Among the grievances listed in the statement are Yasuda's unwillingness to pay him bonuses promised for work on titles including Dead or Alive 4, and allegations that Yasuda "made demeaning remarks" about him to other Tecmo employees, which resulted in "significant emotional distress" and "worsening [of his] personal relationships and work environment."

Continue reading Breaking: Ninja Gaiden's Itagaki says 'Sayonara Tecmo, see you in court'

JoystiqBreaking: Ninja Gaiden's Itagaki says 'Sayonara Tecmo, see you in court' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsitagakininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-iiteam-ninjatecmotomonobu-itagakiXbox-360Tue, 03 Jun 2008 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[2008 Yearbook: Microsoft Game Studios]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/yearbook-2008-microsoft-game-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/yearbook-2008-microsoft-game-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/yearbook-2008-microsoft-game-studios/#commentsFiled under:


After a solid year for the Xbox 360 in 2007 many thought the system could never showcase the same amount of quality exclusives in a single year.

In the 2008 Microsoft Game Studios Yearbook, we've compiled a list of this year's graduating class with a detailed account of each title's current status and the stories surrounding them.

From heartbreaking cancellations, surprise feature announcements and expected sequels, the 2008 MGS Yearbook is filled with fun facts and information on your soon-to-be favorite titles. Also included in the yearbook are special joke awards given to each title that releases in 2008 that poke fun at the details most commonly argued about in the comments.

From Ninja Gaiden II to Alan Wake, the 2008 Microsoft Game Studios Yearbook will have something for everyone.

Ladies and gentlemen allow us to introduce the 2008 Microsoft Game Studios graduating class ...

Joystiq2008 Yearbook: Microsoft Game Studios originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 May 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Itagaki can be such a meanie. Ninja Gaiden Sigma, a PS3 enhanced port of the original Xbox Ninja Gaiden, met critical acclaim when it launched on Sony's console. It wasn't a brand new game, but it certainly was an excellent one. Not so, says Ninja Gaiden creator Tomonobu Itagaki. In a CVG interview, he flatly says that the game was "no good." He added: "Despite the fact that it's on a 'next-generation' console there's no evolution whatsoever. That was made not by me, but one of my sub-ordinates who basically tried to copy the success of Ninja Gaiden."

Ouch. Imitation doesn't equate to flattery, does it? Sigma's director, Yosuke Hayashi, went on record many times about the power of the PS3, and promised more titles for Sony's system. Hayashi noted that "I have heard much criticism of the PS3, but I am confident that Ninja Gaiden Sigma will demonstrate how powerful the PS3 really is." However, will Hayashi ever get a chance to work on PS3 again?

This "subordinate" is getting backhandedly slapped, with the notion of a PS3 port of 360-exclusive Ninja Gaiden II being thrown out of the window. It would "be a loss of face for everyone involved," noted Itagaki.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqItagaki says Ninja Gaiden Sigma was 'no good' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 May 2008 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2tomonobu-itagakiWed, 21 May 2008 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Itagaki: Ninja Gaiden Sigma is 'no good']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/itagaki-ninja-gaiden-sigma-is-no-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/itagaki-ninja-gaiden-sigma-is-no-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/itagaki-ninja-gaiden-sigma-is-no-good/#commentsFiled under: ,


We thought Ninja Gaiden Sigma was pretty good. You know, nothing revolutionary, but at least worth a spin for PS3 owners, especially those who hadn't played through Ninja Gaiden. But we've just received word (via CVG) from Ninja Gaiden I and II developer Tomonobu Itagaki that we're wrong, wrong, totally wrong.

When asked about the game, Itagaki said simply, "It was no good." Apparently not into the whole brevity thing, CVG continued the line of questioning, prompting Itagaki to add, "Despite the fact that it's on a 'next-generation' console there's no evolution whatsoever. That was made not by me, but one of my sub-ordinates who basically tried to copy the success of Ninja Gaiden." You think that's pretty rough, right? Well get this: That guy was sitting next to him. And he was making Itagaki a fancy birthday cake. No, that stuff isn't true. But it's still fairly icy.

Oh, and he dropped a preemptive burn, saying that a PS3 port of Ninja Gaiden II "would be a loss of face for everyone involved." ... So, yeah. Remind us not to cut him off in traffic.

JoystiqItagaki: Ninja Gaiden Sigma is 'no good' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 May 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itagakininja-gaidenninja-gaiden-2ninja-gaiden-sigmaPS3tecmotomonobu-itagakiWed, 21 May 2008 17:30:00 EST