Tomonobu Itagaki leaves Team Ninja and sues Tecmo

On the eve of Ninja Gaiden II's release, some sudden and unexpected news has been delivered concerning the game's creator, Tomonobu Itagaki. He sent out a letter earlier today announcing that he has officially split from Team Ninja and has sued Tecmo for damages. Apparently he was owed some money from Tecmo after the completion of Dead or Alive 4 and was not paid. He has also stated that the president of Tecmo, Yoshimi Yasuda, has made "unreasonable and disingenuous" statements towards him. Unfortunately for the fans, this means that there will be no more 'Ninja Gaiden' or 'Dead or Alive' games from Itagaki in the future. He supposedly already has plans for his next game which will feature all the violence of Ninja Gaiden. No specific details on what he'll be doing next though. Those who know about Itagaki know that he's a very outspoken person with an over the top personality. As for the reason behind him leaving Team Ninja, we can only guess it also had something to do with the tension that has been building up between him and Tecmo for things such as 'Ninja: Gaiden Sigma' which he wasn't too pleased with. Anyway, here is the full statement he released:

"I, Tomonobu Itagaki, hereby announce that on the 14th of May 2008 I filed a complaint in the Tokyo District Court against Tecmo Co., Ltd. for unpaid completion bonuses, and against the President of Tecmo, Yoshimi Yasuda, for such unlawful acts as unreasonable and disingenuous statements made towards me, claiming damages in total of 148 million yen. I also announce that this complaint was delivered to the defendants on May 22nd of the same year. In addition, I hereby announce that I have today submitted a letter of resignation to Tecmo Co., Ltd. stating that I will resign as of the 1st of July, 2008."

"Before the start of development on Dead or Alive 4, Tecmo Co., Ltd. had agreed to pay a completion bonus to me for this Xbox 360 title, which I produced. However, when the time came for the actual payment, Tecmo Co., Ltd. went against its previous agreement and refused payment. President Yoshimi Yasuda chose not only to violate this agreement, but also turned defiant, telling me 'if you are dissatisfied with the decision not to pay the bonuses, either quit the company or sue it.' In addition, he made demeaning remarks about me to my subordinates and colleagues, causing me significant emotional distress and worsening my personal relationships and work environment. Thus, I have no choice but to resign from Tecmo Co., Ltd."

"The conduct of Tecmo Co., Ltd. and its president Yoshimi Yasuda towards me has been unbefitting of a publicly-listed company. I have filed this lawsuit with a strong intent to question the social responsibility of Tecmo Co., Ltd. and its President Yoshimi Yasuda, as well as condemning them for their unjust acts. Today, in addition to announcing the reasons for this lawsuit, I make clear my reasons for resigning."

"To All Game Fans
I truly feel sorry to all the fans of the games I have made. Ninja Gaiden 2, which will launch on the 3rd of June will be the last Ninja Gaiden I will create. I will also never be able to make Dead or Alive 5. I regret the circumstances that have forced me to leave Tecmo, where I had worked for so many years, and I regret the disappointment this will cause my fans. However, I can no longer continue to work with President Yoshimi Yasuda, a man who chooses not to honor promises even when he is able to do so. I truly hope that nothing like this happens again in the future."

Source: 1UP