• Disclosing or leaking information regarding Tecmo's game software, sales, development or any other company secrets

• Using newspapers, magazines and the internet to criticize company software and company employees

• Obstructing the company's business through slanderous remarks to third parties

• Do not accept interviews regarding Tecmo or talk to the press about the company

This gag-order certainly seems in response to the statement Itagaki released to Kotaku and other outlets.

テクモ、板垣氏に対して仮処分を申請 [IT Media] [Pic]

Earlier this month Tomonobu Itagaki, who leads/led Team Ninja, announced his intention to quit Tecmo, effective July 1. In his announcement he was PO'd about a company decision not to pay bonuses on a completed game, so, chances are his comrades feel the same. Tecmo, for its part, says the bonus to Itagaki that is in dispute was approved by a previous management team, not the current one.

1Up also writes:

Another problem for Tecmo is that in Japan, any lawsuit filed against a publicly-traded company must be immediately reported to its shareholders on the same business day. The fact that Itagaki had actually filed a complaint against Tecmo in Tokyo District Court on May 14, but Tecmo management withheld this information from shareholders, possibly as late as when the notorious developer released his high-profile public statement on June 2, creates even bigger problems for the game publisher.

Of course Tecmo still owns Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive, and can hire developers to make all the games it wishes off of those franchises. But if this is true, it's absolutely a fair to wonder what they'll be like without, and how faithful they'd be to the gaming experience so many have come to expect to this point.

Rumor: Three Dozen Team Ninja Members Leaving With Itagaki [1Up]

Tomonobu Itagaki's translator Andrew Szymanski contacted Kotaku, telling us, "At approximately 2:30 PM Japan Standard Time today, June 3rd 2008, an official statement from Tomonobu Itagaki was sent by fax to major Japanese news outlets. In the interest of fair and expedient reporting of this story throughout the English-speaking world, I have been asked by Itagaki to convey this statement to you. Herein find attached Itagaki's official statement, in English, for the benefit of your readers."

What does this mean for Itagaki's future? Szymanski does not know, adding, "You will likely have questions regarding the content of the statement, or about Itagaki's future plans. I am afraid that I will be unable to answer such questions for the time being; however, rest assured that more information will be forthcoming as soon as it is deemed appropriate to do so." Quitting Tecmo (and suing it) means the chances of Itagaki making Dead or Alive 5 are more dead than alive. Guess he wasn't kidding when he said Ninja Gaiden II would be his Ninja Gaiden swan song. Hit the jump for Itagaki's full statement.

Statement

I, Tomonobu Itagaki, hereby announce that on the 14th of May 2008 I filed a complaint in the Tokyo District Court against Tecmo Co., Ltd. for unpaid completion bonuses, and against the President of Tecmo, Yoshimi Yasuda, for such unlawful acts as unreasonable and disingenuous statements made towards me, claiming damages in total of 148 million yen. I also announce that this complaint was delivered to the defendants on May 22nd of the same year.

In addition, I hereby announce that I have today submitted a letter of resignation to Tecmo Co., Ltd. stating that I will resign as of the 1st of July, 2008.

Before the start of development on DEAD OR ALIVE 4, Tecmo Co., Ltd. had agreed to pay a completion bonus to me for this Xbox 360 title, which I produced. However, when the time came for the actual payment, Tecmo Co., Ltd. went against its previous agreement and refused payment. President Yoshimi Yasuda chose not only to violate this agreement, but also turned defiant, telling me “if you are dissatisfied with the decision not to pay the bonuses, either quit the company or sue it.” In addition, he made demeaning remarks about me to my subordinates and colleagues, causing me significant emotional distress and worsening my personal relationships and work environment. Thus, I have no choice but to resign from Tecmo Co., Ltd.

The conduct of Tecmo Co., Ltd. and its president Yoshimi Yasuda towards me has been unbefitting of a publicly-listed company.

I have filed this lawsuit with a strong intent to question the social responsibility of Tecmo Co., Ltd. and its President Yoshimi Yasuda, as well as condemning them for their unjust acts. Today, in addition to announcing the reasons for this lawsuit, I make clear my reasons for resigning.

To All Game Fans

I truly feel sorry to all the fans of the games I have made. NINJA GAIDEN 2, which will launch on the 3rd of June will be the last NINJA GAIDEN I will create. I will also never be able to make DEAD OR ALIVE 5. I regret the circumstances that have forced me to leave Tecmo, where I had worked for so many years, and I regret the disappointment this will cause my fans.

However, I can no longer continue to work with President Yoshimi Yasuda, a man who chooses not to honor promises even when he is able to do so.

I truly hope that nothing like this happens again in the future.

Tecmo Co., Ltd. Creative Officer

Leader, Team NINJA

Tomonobu Itagaki

[Pic]

I think it [Grand Theft Auto IV] is made extremely well and is a fun game... People always use that as an example of violence in games. But I don't think there's anyone who takes their job as seriously as the guys who make that game. You only have to look at all the detail in there.

That's a pretty high compliment right there, Rockstar!

Itagaki Talks GTAIV [CVG]

I love the action game genre, in particular I am very focused on movement and the animation. One of the precepts I always have for my games is making sure that the animation of all the characters is as fluid and as cool looking as they can be... I think that I'm going to continue to explore the action genre and do something that allows me to go in directions that I haven't been able to go with the Ninja Gaiden series, with an entirely new franchise.

Itagaki told Crecente that he was thinking about either a World War II game with an American developer or on a space game. Whatever Itagaki settles on, you can be damn sure of one thing: It will have great boob physics.
What's Next [Videogamer]

More pics of this Tina sample over at Akiba Hobby if you like.
Venus on the Beach! [Akiba Hobby]

If you thought the first episode of Dead Fantasy was spectacular, you simply aren't prepared for the fan service orgasm of part two. The story so far: Tifa, Rikku and Yuna from various Final Fantasy releases are inexplicably trading blows with Hitomi, Ayane and Kasumi of Dead Or Alive fame. In the new episode of Mounty Oum's epic kick-fest—he also did Haloid—the girls go at while sprinting down the side of a massive tower, dramatic fireballs are thrown and franchise guest appearances abound. There's even a bit where someone runs on lava. It's that terribly good.

You'll notice that near the end of this 11-minute fan film, Oum teases Dead Fantasy is "to be continued." He says five more episodes are in the works, so expect a heaping helping of lady kicks in the future.

Thanks for the heads up, Dara!

I just wanted to see what it was like to kill. It could have been anyone.

Horrible tragedy and our deepest condolences to all those who were affected. Seems that the name "Masahiro Kanagawa" matches another "Masahiro Kanagawa" who placed at a Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball tournament in Akihabara a few years back. Police fliers of Kanegawa's face and various info. gather from newspapers indicate that this is the same Masahiro Kanagawa. Images from the tournament of Kanegawa were up at Japanese game site Game Watch Impress (here and here), but have since been taken down.

Besides a blurb in The Ibaraki Shinbun that Kanagawa loved video games, the mainstream Japanese media hasn't made the connection (and really, there isn't any connection to be made between gaming and this truly disturbed individual), but Japanese Sony fanboys have. This news story has been copied and pasted into pretty much every Xbox-related 2ch thread. And that's kinda sad! Still, if the mainstream media does pick this story up, we look forward to see how they explain DoA didn't inspire Kanagawa to smoother people with large, fake breasts.
1 Dead, 7 Injured [Mainichi Thanks, Muu!]

Update: Just saw the Japanese evening news, and the game connection has already been picked up on. The news mentioned that the killer was into fighting games and Final Fantasy. A Japanese person into Final Fantasy? Holy shit. Since most of the victims were stabbed in places like the neck, one "expert" was saying that it was through fighting games that Kanagawa learned about the body's weak points as assume things like that are only taught in video games.

SEE?! He does have eyeballs. Told ya so!
Fable 2 Diary [GameTrailers via Fanboy Killswitch Thanks, DJ T!]

I think people should gamble more. Or [they should] play something like backgammon, a game that's not a video game but more of an analog traditional game... It really teaches you the core of game design... I think playing those types of games gives you the foundation... when you're gambling, you can't afford to have a chip on your shoulder. You have to make the right decision based on what the cards are in front of you. So you're constantly changing up your attitude and your position.

To be honest that was a totally different division that made that announcement, so I have no idea what's going on with that... I'm in a tough position because when I am making Dead or Alive, for instance, all the Ninja Gaiden fans say quit messing around with Dead or Alive and make a sequel to Ninja Gaiden. When I'm making a new Ninja Gaiden, all the Dead or Alive fans are like, "You have to quit that and start making Dead or Alive. And that's tough enough as it is, but I also get letters all the time for the past 10 years from Tecmo Bowl fans saying, "When are you going to resurrect that franchise?" So it's tough being in my position.

Put your pre-orders in now. This one ships in June for a mere 9,240 yen (only $85). Cheap!

Moeyo censored the pictures. And no, the figure's breasts don't have nipples. Moeyo added the tank top for shits and giggles.
Kasumi Figurine [Moeyo]

Poor girl must be cold! Figurine goes on sale this month for ¥8,190 (US $77).
Lei Fang [Kotobukiya via Hobby Blog]

Just look at that fingernail. It's so dirty.
Dead or Alive Mug [Banpresto Prize Blog via Hobby Blog]

Ayane Figure Sample [Ota Road]

AaAaAaAa,Nnn

Kyunnnn

Dyuuuuu, jyuuchuu

NAAAAAAaaaaaaaa!

DoA Sex Game Music [Akiba Blog]

Netflix lists the DVD as already released, but the majority of online retailers are showing a 9/11 ship date. Please let us know if you find it "in the wild."

I've never played a good game where the developers put a big icon of the button you're supposed to press onscreen... I look at Heavenly Sword and it seems really half-assed, because it's asking you to do all these button-timing sequences but you are not getting much payoff from it.

Snap! Heavenly Sword producer Kyle Shubel's answer to those criticisms?

My response to Mr. Itagaki would be that the intent of the Hero sequences is to empower the player to experience events that would be nearly impossible to play in a natural platforming state... for example, making the player run down ropes, leaping from rope to rope as they're being cut from underneath you, all while dodging other objects — that would be a frustrating experience to 99 percent of our users if we were to force them to do that manually.

Thanks Christian!

Tekken sucks. I don't know what you're talking about.

We're doing a lot of research, that's about all I can say right now. Although, to add on that note, my kids have been saying they want a game for the Wii. To tell you the truth, Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword, that's because my kids were asking for one of my titles to be on the DS.

Jewel Raider, with NSFW tush shots, after the jump.

Adult Treasure Expo [Moeyo!]

If you're up to your ears in Kasumi toys and need something off the beaten path, why not pick up Max Factory's equally chesty Mai Shiranui sculpt?

DOA Hollywood Blue Kasumi [Moeyo]

DOAX2 - Venus on the beach!

Out Next Year [Siliconera]

DOA Online will be distributed within China, Hong Kong, and Macao by Shanda, an online entertainment company that specializes in massively multiplayer online and casual games. Development will be handled by the internal Tecmo team LieVo Studio. Virtual panties will be exposed by Kasumi, Tina, Helena, Lei Fang, Christie, Hitomi and Ayane. All involved are thrilled to take part in this profitable venture.

While gameplay details are totally nonexistent, I predict this will turn into a casual, yet (e)xtremely sexy, series of beach-themed games in which great gusts of wind wreak havoc with inappropriately sized and ill-thought outfits.

At final tally, DOA: Dead or Alive eeked out a mere US $260,713 at the box office during its opening weekend. And during its second weekend, it puttered out $21,029. Peanuts! For those keeping score, that means the film plummeted 92 percent since last weekend. Only 98 theaters continued showing it for a second week, and the movie earned $214 per screen. Wow. I'd really love to talk to the people who saw DOA in theaters. They must be special people.

The $21 million dollar flick has grossed $6.16 million worldwide so far. North American DVD release is scheduled for September 4th. Why didn't the studio cut and their loses and release this straight-to-DVD? Damn, pride is sure expensive. Brian Ashcraft

Box Office Earnings [Box Office Mojo via 1Up]

It hasn't received much critical attention but Luke Thompson calls it "the best butt-kicking PG-13 bikini jigglefest since the first Charlie's Angels flick" so plan your theater excursions appropriately. Michael McWhertor

DOA: Dead or Alive (2007) [Yahoo! Movies]

Team Ninja's chief ninja and Dead or Alive mastermind Tomonobu Itagaki is one competitive dude. He says that the projects he's currently working aren't just good, but good. So much so that they'll destroy the hopes and dreams of other developers. Itagaki explains:

I'd like to show everybody some of the new stuff that we've been working on in the near future. The only problem with that is that when the other developers see what we're doing, they're going to lose all of their motivation to create any game in the same genre, because there's no way they can beat it.

I wouldn't want to go into a cabbage field with a big knife or a scythe or something and just start cutting down thousands and thousands of heads of cabbage. That's not something I would find fun. I do think there are probably some people out there who want that kind of experience when playing a game. That's why, when it comes down to the number of enemies on-screen, I'd rather have good enemies than just a lot of enemies. That's why I don't buy into the philosophy of, "Look! We have a thousand heads of cabbage on screen at once, isn't this great?!"

Itagaki Interview [Game Informer]

For the three readers who actually care, the Dead or Alive move DOA is supposedly getting a theatrical release. Last we heard, the game was slated for a straight-to-DVD release. Over at movie site Ain't It Cool News, they're saying:

Seems the movie is headed for a June 15 release, despite persistent rumors that it's been banished straight-to-video. In an amusing example of fetishistic synchronicity, DOA will open opposite NANCY DREW.

If true, smart money's on Nancy Drew kicking ass and taking names. Brian Ashcraft

DOA In Theaters [Ain't It Cool News via The Last Boss]

Does starring in adult films affect your brain? Let's ask superstar Tera Patrick, who's appeared in seventy plus pornos. And since, we're a game site, how about some game questions via Gamerhelp.com. Tera, what titles appeal to you?

I personally have a thing for most of the Dead or Alive girls. I also love Rumble Roses. The way they bounce really gets me going.

Titles, Tera, we said "titles." Let's imagine a gamer wanted to ask you out. What's the best approach?

Don't try to hide your dorkiness. Use a pickup line like 'want to play with my joystick?'

NO EFFECT WHATSOEVER. Elsewhere, Tera mentions how the adult industry is "aching" for more sex games and that she once did an appearance at E3 creating a line "a mile long" of gamers who wanted to meet her. Ya think? Brian Ashcraft

Tera Patrick Interview [Gamerhelp]

Out of all the gaming things Europe gets first, one had to be DOA: Dead or Alive. The film was based on Itagaki's Tecmo fighting games and stunk up the box office. The movie was so horrible that the film studio didn't screen it for some of the actors. So, the burning question: When will we see an American theatrical release? Who cares! Actress Jamie Pressley, who played Tina in the flick, said:

I can't say that I'm upset that it didn't come out. We were working with a director, Corey Yuen, who is one of the number one action and marital arts directors in the world. That's why we did the film. In the process of filming, a lot of bad stuff came up and happened, being that we were over in China in little small villages, you didn't have the means necessary to get things done like you do when you're in Hollywood. So I think between things getting lost in translation because there were four dialects going on at all times, or languages I should say, and the lack of necessities, it just didn't turn out the way that it should have. And I think for gamers, a lot of the stuff was inaccurate because they changed it along the way.

Wow, it's not only bad for gamers, but also for Hollywood types. Brian Ashcraft

Why No DOA [Rotten Tomatoes via 1Up]

Fortunately, the PVC-loving pervs at Moeyo have put both the "Southern Cross" and "Virgo" variants through their patented rigorous testing process to determine just how good this sculpt and paint application is. Their testing process, of course, consists of taking dozens of close-up photographs of Kasumi's T&A for the lonely otaku crowd. The results are online and most likely not safe for work.

How do they look? I'm no PVC connosiuer, but the butt sculpt looks pretty good and the thirteen Kasumi crotch shots really show Kotobukiya's attention to detail. My review? Better than the actual DOAX2 video game but worse than Max Factory's Kasumi. Michael McWhertor

Kotobukiya DEAD OR ALIVE XTREME 2 Kasumi "Virgo" and "Southern Cross" Sample Review [Moeyo]

Kasumi, don't leave home without her... Yeah, that's all I got. Brian Crecente

[Thanks Gamebrink]

Just because Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 didn't exactly set the world on fire, doesn't mean its game goods can't. (And some will argue that the series is now produced to sell certain segments of the population life-sized character pillows.) This year, DOAX2 gets a Kasumi beach resort statue, which doesn't really look like its in-game counterpart. I mean, look at those thin ankles! Kasumi has chunky ankles!! And those jubblies, Kasumi has — er... Yup, the fake plastic part, they got that right. Brian Ashcraft

New Kasumi Toy [G-TOYs]

I'm off to hug my Kasumi pillow and cry myself to sleep over this horrible news. Michael McWhertor

DOA: Dead or Alive at IMDB

In Dead or Alive promotional material? Noooooooo. Impossible! On November 22nd, Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 hit Japanese store shelves. Retailers, such as Game City (pictured), rolled out in-store advertisements like this Ayane poster that features next-gen teats. The shocking thing isn't that boob dials were included in promotional material, but that it took right up till the game's release for someone to notice. Hit the jump for the shameful close-up. Brian Ashcraft

Ayane's Embarrassing Ad [Moeyo]

Following the universe collapsing news that breast-man and boozehound Tomonobu Itagaki was accused of sexual harassment by a Tecmo employee and slapped with a lawsuit, comes response from the Ninja Gaiden producer's publisher. They say that the reported harassment never took place—instead calling the allegations a "result of the former employee's desire to vent frustrations over her own personal affairs"—and that "Tecmo did not issue an unjustified notice of dismissal to the former employee."

Still, Tecmo points out that Itagaki and unnamed, unnumbered "others" "mingled personal affairs with their corporate responsibilities." Hmm. Strip club-based team meetings, anyone? This dirty mingling resulted in salary reductions, demotions, and reprimands toward Itagaki and "others."

Why the statement now, in the middle of litigation? Tecmo finds it "unfortunate" that certain media outlets are "one-sidedly cover[ing] the false claims of the former employee." This "egregious defamation" has them all riled up, including Itagaki, who plans to file a reversal move countersuit against the accuser.

Damn, my double-quote button is tired. Good luck with your lawsuits, everyone! Michael McWhertor

A Statement Regarding Certain News Reports Concerning Ongoing Litigation (pdf)
Itagaki Sued for Sexual Harassment [Kotaku]