Veteran Game Developer Shutaro Iida, Creator of Bloodstained, Passes Away at 52
The gaming world is mourning the loss of a legendary figure. Shutaro Iida, the former Konami developer renowned for his pivotal contributions to the Castlevania series and his recent work on the Bloodstained franchise, has passed away at the age of 52. His family has confirmed that Iida was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in September 2024 and had been providing updates on his condition through social media until very recently.
Family Announces Passing on Social Media
In a heartfelt post shared on the microblogging platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Iida's family conveyed the sad news. Translated from Japanese, the message read: "SHUTARO, the Curry Sage, who had been battling illness for some time, passed away on February 10th due to pancreatic cancer. We would like to express our deepest gratitude for the kindness shown to us during his lifetime and to report his passing. SHUTARO's adventure in this world may have come to an end, but his work will remain. We hope you continue to enjoy the games created by SHUTARO."
Iida was widely recognized in the gaming community under the pseudonym "Curry The Kid" and was credited for programming on several iconic Castlevania titles as well as the Bloodstained series.
Final Message from the Developer
In his last communication on X, Iida shared a poignant reflection on his declining health. He wrote: "I'm reaching my limit. I'm painfully aware that I'm getting weaker with each passing day. Please love the upcoming Bloodstained 2 and the games I create." This message underscores his enduring passion for game development even in the face of a terminal illness.
A Storied Career in Game Development
Shutaro Iida's journey in the gaming industry began when he joined Konami in 1996. He quickly became an integral part of the Castlevania team, contributing to the development of the Game Boy Advance title Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow. His expertise and creativity led him to work on numerous other entries in the beloved series, including:
- Castlevania: Lament of Innocence
- Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
- Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin
- Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia
Iida also served as the development lead on Castlevania: Harmony of Despair, showcasing his leadership skills. His career at Konami further included significant roles as a lead programmer on Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes and The Phantom Pain. After departing from Konami in 2015, Iida directed the critically acclaimed Castlevania-inspired title Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. His final project was as the director of Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, which is scheduled for release later this year.
Tribute from Castlevania Producer Koji Igarashi
Koji Igarashi, the esteemed producer of the Castlevania series who collaborated with Iida for many years and served as producer on Bloodstained, paid a moving tribute on X. Translated from Japanese, Igarashi wrote: "Our company's creative director Shutaro passed away peacefully after a 1.5-year battle with cancer. Since 'Castlevania: Symphony of the Night', we had been working together. Many of the titles hailed as masterpieces could not have been achieved without his contributions. His talent was unparalleled."
Igarashi continued, "After I left the Dracula series, our opportunities to work together became fewer, but when I invited him to join the current company, he accepted with an immediate and enthusiastic yes, and I am truly grateful for that. I feel that the success of 'Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night' was largely due to his strong support. Before I knew it, he had been supporting me for over 20 years. He was a person who always thought about the games and approached production with a passion that burned like his very life."
Reflecting on Iida's illness, Igarashi added, "In September 2024, when it was discovered that he had terminal cancer, it was a tremendous shock. The subsequent 1.5-year battle with illness must have been unimaginably grueling. His departure is far too regrettable, but thinking that he has been freed from suffering brings a sense of relief as well. Having run at full speed all this time, I now wish from the bottom of my heart that he can rest peacefully."
Regarding Iida's final project, Igarashi assured fans, "Currently, 'Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement', which he was working on, is in the midst of production, but it is a precious work infused with his spirit. So as not to disappoint him, we will carry on his legacy and complete it with care. We kindly ask for your continued support and encouragement. Our thoughts are with the bereaved family, and we sincerely pray for his soul."
The legacy of Shutaro Iida lives on through the immersive worlds and captivating gameplay he helped create. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the gaming industry, inspiring both players and developers alike. As the community remembers his life and work, his final projects continue to be a testament to his enduring passion and creativity.
