Dead or Alive creator was once held at gunpoint by LAPD, says former colleague: ‘It was a real Dead or Alive situation’
Japanese gaming website 4Gamer has published a feature interviewing collaborators of the late Tomonobu Itagaki, creator of the Dead or Alive and neo-Ninja Gaiden franchises. The interviews revealed colorful anecdotes from Itagaki’s life, including an incident where he was allegedly held at gunpoint by Los Angeles Police Department officers. According to a former colleague who shared the story, the situation was described as “a real Dead or Alive situation,” evoking the dramatic nature of the encounter. The feature has been translated and reported by PC Gamer, bringing the interviews to English-speaking audiences. While specific details about the incident remain limited in the available excerpt, the 4Gamer piece aims to document memorable stories and insights from those who worked closely with the legendary and eccentric developer throughout his career in the gaming industry.