Rumor: Up to three dozen Team Ninja members leave with Itagaki, AND file lawsuits

by Terrence Stasse { Jun 15th 2008 at 8:00PM }

Wait, you mean there's actually a rumor today that didn't come from the infamous survey? Yup, indeed there is. This one comes to us from the good folks over at 1up who have been keeping their collective ears to the ground for just this purpose. Apparently, when Tomonobu Itagaki left Tecmo for not receiving his bonus, key members of the team realized just how badly they'd been shafted, and left as well.

So now the word is that they've all filed individual lawsuits of their own in response to not receiving their bonuses either. If Microsoft was smart they'd grab all these guys and give them a studio and game right away. Or maybe (despite what time and space may have to say about it) they already have ...

Tags: itagaki-san, microsoft, ninja-blade, team-ninja, tomonobu-itagaki

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

john paul @ Jun 15th 2008 8:32PM

Most news ever on a sunday.

Dwag @ Jun 15th 2008 8:43PM

I'm Glad I was getting Sick of Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden I mean yeah they were good but not that good they keep repeating themselves over and over I mean theres nothing different.

I hope those franchises end and new ones begin.

SadisticHam @ Jun 15th 2008 8:50PM

Bleh one of my favourite franchises, possibly ruined. I hope they get there own studio, I'd love for a new DMC/NG styled game franchise to come along, there aren't many about.

emirabal @ Jun 15th 2008 9:15PM

thats what im talking about

Dwag @ Jun 15th 2008 9:26PM

Platinum games can hire him that would be one great team of developers right there.

Magic Whiskey @ Jun 15th 2008 10:34PM

It'd be great to have an exclusive, in-house shinobi team! Very cool..Hope MS buys them all for sure.

Oh and for the record I beat NG2 Friday:) Slick game!

NitroFrost @ Jun 16th 2008 8:35AM

Yes but did you beat NGB on the highest difficulty when that achievement has been accomplish I will then praise you but sorry Whiskey till then you get only some love not all.

Magic Whiskey @ Jun 16th 2008 11:23AM

Hey it was within the week's constraints set forth by Blockbuster...so sue me! :)

AoE @ Jun 16th 2008 2:38PM

be careful Magic Whiskey, Team Ninja staff might take you up on that ;)

bigd7387 @ Jun 15th 2008 11:17PM

By E3 MS will have Itagaki & Team in the MS Family. No way in Hell they will let the biggest supporter of the Xbox brand and system go to anyone. You may have a problem with his repetitive game nature, I don't, but the is a fanatic about wanting to make as perfect as possible game and now that he can make any game he wants, just imagine what he may produce, with large breasts of course.

Boff @ Jun 16th 2008 6:20AM

If this is true then MS need to get on top of things quick. It would be crazy to let them get snapped up somewhere else! MGS here we come!!

Itagaki has always been a strong supporter of the 360. Not to mention the fact that surely MS would want him/Team Ninja in their arsenal if they're going to continue to try and increase 360 sales in Japan.