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Tomonobu Itagaki quits Tecmo, sues

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On the eve of the U.S Ninja Gaiden 2 release, Tomonobu Itagaki, head of Team Ninja (one of Tecmo's development teams) has announced his resignation. Not only that, but he's also suing Tecmo for not giving him bonus pay that he claims he was promised for completing development of Dead or Alive 4. Apparently he was refused payment when the time came, with Tecmo's president Yoshimi Yasuda allegedly telling him "if you are dissatisfied with the decision not to pay the bonuses, either quit the company or sue it". It seems that Itagaki is taking his advice literally, claiming damages to the value of 148 million yen. Itagaki also claims that demeaning comments were made about him to his fellow employees, which apparently caused him significant emotional distress. Itagaki had this to say:

"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."

Itagaki purposefully waited until the evening before Ninja Gaiden 2's release to make the announcement, casting a rather dark shadow over the game. It's a shame that all was not well behind the scenes. As to where Itagaki will go now, nobody can say for sure yet.

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