Shutaro Iida, Konami veteran and Bloodstained programmer, dies at 52

The family of Shutaro Iida, formerly of Konami and most recently known for his work on the Bloodstained series, said he has died at the age of 52. He had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in September 2024 and had been updating people on his condition via social media until recently.

"Shutaro, known as the Curry Sage, who had been battling illness for some time, passed away on February 10 due to pancreatic cancer," the family wrote on Iida's X account. "We deeply appreciate the kindness shown to him during his lifetime and respectfully announce his passing.

Shutaro’s adventure in this world has ended, but his work lives on. We sincerely hope you will continue to enjoy the games he created." Castlevania series producer Koji Igarashi, who worked with Iida for decades and produced Bloodstained, paid tribute on X. "In the early morning of Tuesday, February 10, 2026, our Creative Director Shutaro passed away after a year-and-a-half-long battle with cancer," he wrote.

shutaro iida, konami, bloodstained, castlevania, koji igarashi, pancreatic cancer, curry sage, creative director, game programmer, x account