Shutaro Īda, known for his work on Castlevania and Bloodstained, has passed away at the age of 52

Renowned video game developer Shutaro Īda passed away at 52 after battling pancreatic cancer.

His family confirmed his passing on social media, revealing that he died on February 10. "We are grateful for the kindness shown to him during his life," they stated. "Although Shutaro's journey in this world has ended, his creations remain. We hope you continue to enjoy the games he crafted."

Īda's career began at Konami in 1996, where he became notable for his contributions to the Castlevania and Bloodstained series. Starting as a programmer in the early 2000s, he made significant strides in the gaming industry. He also contributed to Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes and Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain.

Later, he joined Koji Igarashi, the Castlevania series producer, at ArtPlay, an indie gaming studio. There, he was integral to the development of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, taking on roles as both designer and game director. Additionally, Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement is anticipated to launch this year.

Koji Igarashi paid tribute to Īda on social media by reflecting on their long-standing collaboration: "We worked together since Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow. It's no exaggeration that many acclaimed titles would have been impossible without his distinct talent. His passion for game development burned brightly, and he supported me for over two decades."

Igarashi continued, "In September 2024, we learned of his terminal diagnosis, which was an immense shock. His year-and-a-half battle was likely incredibly challenging. While his death is heartbreaking, there's comfort in knowing he's free of pain. After running at full speed for so long, my hope is he finds peace now."

He also mentioned ongoing work: "The project he was a part of, Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, is still in development. It's a treasured piece infused with his spirit. We will continue his vision to completion, honoring his legacy. Your support is more crucial than ever, and our thoughts are with his family as we wish him eternal peace."