Shutaro Iida, a prolific developer recognized for his pivotal role in the evolution of the Castlevania and Bloodstained franchises, has passed away at the age of 52 following a battle with cancer.
Iida’s influence was instrumental in shaping some of the most acclaimed Metroidvania titles in the industry, leaving an indelible mark on the Nintendo Switch and its thriving eShop library, as well as other major gaming platforms. Iida’s tenure with Konami and his partnership with lead producer Koji Igarashi started during the era of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, a title frequently celebrated as a genre-defining classic.
Together, they developed a series of beloved games, with Iida’s credits covering entries such as Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin, Order of Ecclesia, Dawn of Sorrow, Aria of Sorrow, and Lament of Innocence.
His seasoned touch on these projects helped fuel the rise of Metroidvania as a vital pillar of Nintendo’s handheld and home console lineups, influencing generations of players and developers alike. Reflecting on their longstanding collaboration, Koji Igarashi shared his deep appreciation for Iida’s decades of partnership: “For more than 20 years, he offered me unwavering support.
His creative vision was unparalleled, and the successful realization of many lauded titles would not have been possible without his dedication.” Igarashi further noted Iida’s crucial involvement in Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, a title widely praised on Nintendo Switch and multiple platforms for its engaging blend of classic Metroidvania mechanics and modern design.
After departing from the Dracula series, Igarashi described how Iida enthusiastically joined him at his new studio, bringing the same passion to their ongoing work together.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night benefited significantly from Iida’s leadership, with Igarashi crediting much of the project’s success to this collaboration. Despite his cancer diagnosis in 2024, Iida remained actively involved in the upcoming sequel Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement.
In a statement provided to Epic Games, Igarashi shared, “I’m collaborating with Shutaro again on this project, and every game he’s touched has earned widespread acclaim.
Now serving as Creative Director, I’m confident the next chapter will exceed expectations.” Iida’s passion for game development extended over two decades, and his contributions to beloved Nintendo Switch titles and the broader Metroidvania genre have been recognized by both fans and industry peers.
While his passing is a major loss to the gaming world, the ongoing production of Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement stands as a testament to his enduring spirit and creative legacy. The gaming community extends heartfelt sympathies to Iida’s family and friends during this difficult time.
His visionary work will continue to inspire developers and players across Nintendo platforms and the wider industry.
Iida’s influence was instrumental in shaping some of the most acclaimed Metroidvania titles in the industry, leaving an indelible mark on the Nintendo Switch and its thriving eShop library, as well as other major gaming platforms. Iida’s tenure with Konami and his partnership with lead producer Koji Igarashi started during the era of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, a title frequently celebrated as a genre-defining classic.
Together, they developed a series of beloved games, with Iida’s credits covering entries such as Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin, Order of Ecclesia, Dawn of Sorrow, Aria of Sorrow, and Lament of Innocence.
His seasoned touch on these projects helped fuel the rise of Metroidvania as a vital pillar of Nintendo’s handheld and home console lineups, influencing generations of players and developers alike. Reflecting on their longstanding collaboration, Koji Igarashi shared his deep appreciation for Iida’s decades of partnership: “For more than 20 years, he offered me unwavering support.
His creative vision was unparalleled, and the successful realization of many lauded titles would not have been possible without his dedication.” Igarashi further noted Iida’s crucial involvement in Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, a title widely praised on Nintendo Switch and multiple platforms for its engaging blend of classic Metroidvania mechanics and modern design.
After departing from the Dracula series, Igarashi described how Iida enthusiastically joined him at his new studio, bringing the same passion to their ongoing work together.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night benefited significantly from Iida’s leadership, with Igarashi crediting much of the project’s success to this collaboration. Despite his cancer diagnosis in 2024, Iida remained actively involved in the upcoming sequel Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement.
In a statement provided to Epic Games, Igarashi shared, “I’m collaborating with Shutaro again on this project, and every game he’s touched has earned widespread acclaim.
Now serving as Creative Director, I’m confident the next chapter will exceed expectations.” Iida’s passion for game development extended over two decades, and his contributions to beloved Nintendo Switch titles and the broader Metroidvania genre have been recognized by both fans and industry peers.
While his passing is a major loss to the gaming world, the ongoing production of Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement stands as a testament to his enduring spirit and creative legacy. The gaming community extends heartfelt sympathies to Iida’s family and friends during this difficult time.
His visionary work will continue to inspire developers and players across Nintendo platforms and the wider industry.
