Shutaro Ida, Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement Creative Director, Has Passed Away

Published: Monday, February 16, 2026 at 3:10 pm

Gaming Industry Mourns the Loss of Shutaro Ida

The gaming world is in mourning following the passing of Shutaro Ida, the creative director of ArtPlay and the upcoming title *Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement*. Ida, 52, succumbed to cancer on February 10, 2026, after a year-and-a-half-long battle. The announcement was made via ArtPlay's official X account.

Ida's contributions to the gaming industry are significant, extending beyond ArtPlay's projects. He was also involved in the development of well-known franchises, including *Metal Gear Solid* and *Castlevania*.

*Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement*, Ida's final project, is nearing completion. The development studio has pledged to honor his vision and complete the game to the highest standards. The title is a 2.5D metroidvania game set in 16th-century England, featuring a gothic atmosphere. Players will experience strategic battles, crafting, and exploration. The game introduces a new buddy system, allowing players to control both Leo and Alex as they combat the Demon Lord Elias. It will also feature the largest map in the series, a day-and-night cycle, and a range of abilities, crafting, and customization options.

This news comes amidst other losses in the gaming community, including the recent passing of Hideki Sato, the designer of SEGA consoles.

BNN's Perspective:

The loss of Shutaro Ida is a significant blow to the gaming community. His work on *Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement* promises to be a fitting tribute to his creative vision. It's a testament to the dedication of the development team that they are committed to completing the project in his honor. We hope the game will be a success and a lasting legacy of his talent.

Keywords: Shutaro Ida, Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, ArtPlay, cancer, gaming industry, Metal Gear Solid, Castlevania, metroidvania, 2.5D, gothic, Leo, Alex, Demon Lord Elias, Hideki Sato, SEGA, gaming news

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