Shutaro Ida, a veteran game developer central to Castlevania and Bloodstained, has died at 52 after a battle with pancreatic cancer diagnosed in late 2024; his passing on February 10, 2026, ends a pivotal era for modern Metroidvania design.

Igarashi and ArtPlay mourn Ida's loss, noting his leadership, creative energy, and decades-long collaboration that helped propel Bloodstained projects and the broader Igavania movement.

Ida and Igarashi crowdfunded Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, reinforcing demand for exploration-driven, non-linear action-platformers and underscoring Ida’s role in shaping its direction.

Funeral arrangements were private, in line with the family’s wishes

The obituary profile highlights Rich, a veteran journalist tied to PC Gamer and others, and reminds readers to verify public display names before commenting.

ArtPlay requests fans refrain from visits, gifts, or floral tributes to the company or Ida’s family as they mourn.

Contextual notes mention recent industry news, including God of War: Sons of Sparta and Hideki Sato’s obituary, to situate Ida’s passing within a wider gaming landscape.

Translation note emphasizes Ida’s impact from Dawn of Sorrow onward, the shock of his diagnosis, and relief that he is now free from suffering.

Ida’s public posts reflected his health journey, with nicknames like Curry the Kid and Curry Hermit accompanying frequent updates on X (formerly Twitter).

ArtPlay issued a statement affirming Ida’s significant contributions to the industry and the promise of future work built on his legacy.

Ida announced his pancreatic cancer diagnosis publicly in late 2024 and stepped back from Bloodstained projects to focus on treatment, continuing to share thoughts with fans online.

A family statement confirmed his passing, thanked supporters, and urged fans to continue enjoying Bloodstained and his other creations.