Tecmo on Itagaki Departure
June 7th, 2008 by Rajiv Ashrafi in Business
Following up on word that Tomonobu Itagaki, fashionable ninja and head honcho of Team Ninja, had left Tecmo due to disagreements with the company’s CEO, Tecmo has responded, confirming the leave, as well as assuring fans that they are going to continue the Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden franchises without Itagaki.
“Most importantly, Tecmo would like to assure its loyal fans that Team Ninja, known for its top-selling and critically acclaimed Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive franchises, is intact and, as a matter of fact, has several new projects already underway. Team Ninja is, more than ever, committed to producing compelling and cutting-edge games in order to maintain its reputation as a high-quality developer and to continue to receive the support of its loyal fans.”
The company also mentioned the legal complaint, which it is leaving to the court to “seek a true, fair and quick resolution.”
It is disheartening to see Tecmo treat Itagaki, the father of the company’s bread-and-butter franchises, like this. What do you guys think? Would you play a Ninja Gaiden or DOA game not made by Itagaki?
Tags: Business
