Veteran Castlevania and Bloodstained developer Shutaro Īda has died aged 52 following a battle with pancreatic cancer. The news was confirmed by his family and long-time collaborator Koji Igarashi, marking the end of a career that spanned nearly three decades in Japanese game development.
Īda passed away on 10 February 2026 after an approximately year-and-a-half fight against cancer. His family shared the news publicly on 16 February, thanking fans for their support and encouraging players to continue enjoying the games he helped create.
Family Confirms Shutaro Īda’s Passing
The announcement first came from Īda’s family via social media. In their message, they wrote that he had been battling pancreatic cancer and passed away peacefully earlier this month.
兼ねてから闘病中だったカレー仙人ことSHUTAROが2月10日に膵臓癌のため旅立ちました。
ここに生前のご厚誼を深謝し謹んで報告申し上げます。
この世界でのSHUTAROの冒険は終わってしまいましたが、作品は残り続けます。
どうかこれからもSHUTAROの作ったゲームを楽しんで頂けると幸いです。家族一同
— カレー仙人 (@CurryHermit) February 16, 2026
“We deeply appreciate the kindness shown to him during his lifetime and respectfully announce his passing,” the statement read. “Shutaro’s adventure in this world has ended, but his work lives on. We sincerely hope you will continue to enjoy the games he created.”
The post quickly drew widespread attention, with over a million views within hours, as fans and developers shared tributes across the industry.
Koji Igarashi Shares Personal Tribute
Shortly after the family’s statement, Koji Igarashi, best known as the long-time producer and creative force behind the Castlevania series, also confirmed the news. Often referred to by fans as IGA, he worked closely with Shutaro Īda for more than two decades.
【ご報告】SHUTARO 逝去のお知らせ
去る2026年2月10日(火)早朝、弊社クリエイティブディレクターSHUTAROが、約1年半に及ぶ癌との闘病の末、永眠いたしました。
彼とは『キャッスルヴァニア ―暁月の円舞曲―』以来、ともに仕事をしてまいりました。… https://t.co/HeFlDLxY7c
— IGA (@KojiIGA) February 16, 2026
Igarashi revealed that Īda had been diagnosed with terminal cancer in September 2024. He described the diagnosis as a tremendous shock, noting that the months that followed were unimaginably gruelling.
“We had worked together since Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow,” Igarashi wrote. “It is no exaggeration to say that many titles hailed as masterpieces would not have been possible without his contributions. His talent was truly exceptional.”
After leaving Konami, Igarashi founded indie studio ArtPlay, where he reunited with Īda to create Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, a spiritual successor to Castlevania. According to Igarashi, Īda had supported him for over 20 years and approached game development with a passion that “burned like a flame”.
He added that although Īda’s passing is profoundly saddening, there is some comfort in knowing he is now free from suffering.
Career At Konami And Beyond
Īda began his career at Konami in 1996, where he would spend nearly two decades. He joined the Castlevania franchise in the early 2000s, working as a programmer and contributing to some of the series’ most celebrated handheld entries.
Among his most recognised work is Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow, where he collaborated closely with Igarashi. Over time, he became a key figure in shaping the modern identity of the franchise.
Beyond Castlevania, Īda also worked on Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes and Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, contributing to two of the most technically ambitious titles of their generation.
After leaving Konami, Īda reunited with Igarashi at indie studio ArtPlay, where he served as designer and game director on Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. The game was widely regarded as a spiritual successor to Castlevania and became a commercial and critical success.
Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement Still In Development
At the time of his passing, Īda was working on Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, which is currently in development and scheduled for release this year.
Igarashi confirmed that the project will continue, describing it as a “precious work imbued with his spirit”. He pledged that the team will carry on Īda’s vision and complete the game in a way that honours his legacy.
For fans of Castlevania and Bloodstained, that continuation feels especially significant. While Shutaro Īda’s adventure may have ended, as his family put it, the influence of his design philosophy and programming craft will remain visible in every gothic corridor, every meticulously designed boss fight, and every exploration-driven world he helped shape.
The industry has lost a quiet but deeply influential figure, and the games he worked on stand as a lasting reminder of his passion for development.