Bloodstained Creative Director Shutaro Ida Dies at 52

Shutaro Ida, creative director of the upcoming game Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement and a key figure in the Castlevania series, died at the age of 52.

ArtPlay announced the news on Feb. 16. He passed away in the early morning of Feb. 10 after battling cancer for approximately one and a half years.

The company released a statement signed by co-founder Koji Igarashi. It read in part:

"Early morning on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, our Creative Director SHUTARO passed away at the age of 52 after battling against cancer for approximately one and a half years."

Ida began his career at Konami in 1996 and remained there until 2015.

He worked primarily as a programmer and designer on multiple Castlevania titles, including Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow in 2003, Castlevania: Lament of Innocence in 2003, Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow in 2005, Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin in 2006, Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia in 2008 and Castlevania: Harmony of Despair in 2010.

He also contributed to other Konami projects such as Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes and Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.

After leaving Konami, Ida collaborated with studios including 505 Games, Armature Studio and Inti Creates.

He joined ArtPlay at Igarashi's invitation and served as director of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, released in 2019.

He took on the role of creative director for the sequel, Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement.

In October 2024, Ida publicly disclosed his cancer diagnosis on social media and stepped back from day-to-day direction of the project to focus on treatment. However, cancer became his cause of death and he died at just 52 years of age.

He had already shared his ideas for the game's story and design elements with the team.

The ArtPlay statement noted that development of Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, which Ida had been leading, has reached its final stages.

It added:

"SHUTARO has contributed significantly to the development of the gaming industry through the creation of numerous works. His passing is deeply regrettable, especially given the great promise of his future endeavors. The development of Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, which SHUTARO was leading, is now at its final stages. We will carry forward his legacy and strive with all our strength to complete this work worthy of his vision and name."

Igarashi, who had worked with Ida since Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow, posted on X that Ida's talent was exceptional and that the success of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night owed much to his support.

The funeral took place with only close family members in attendance, per the family's wishes. The company declined condolence visits, monetary gifts or floral tributes.

News Source: https://artplay.co.jp/news/shutaro