The gaming industry lost one of its most talented developers this week. Shutaro Ida, the creative director behind Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement and longtime Castlevania programmer, passed away on February 10, 2026, at age 52, following an 18-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Known to fans by nicknames like “Curry the Kid,” “Curry Hermit,” and “Curry Gentleman Shutaro,” Ida first revealed his cancer diagnosis in October 2024.
In one of his final messages posted on social media just days before his passing, Ida wrote: “It seems that the limit is near. I can feel myself growing weaker day by day. Please love Bloodstained 2, which will be released in the future, and the games that I made.”
Two decades shaping gaming’s best Metroidvanias
Ida joined Konami in 1996 and worked there until 2015, primarily as a programmer. His contributions to the Castlevania series began with the Game Boy Advance title Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow in 2003, where he served as system and player programmer.
He continued working on beloved entries including Dawn of Sorrow (2005), Portrait of Ruin (2006), Order of Ecclesia (2008), and served as level designer on Harmony of Despair (2010). Beyond Castlevania, Ida also contributed to titles like Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, Shadow of Memories, and Sexy Parodius.
When Castlevania series producer Koji Igarashi left Konami in 2014 to co-found ArtPlay, Ida followed him. Together, they created Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, released in 2019 to favorable reviews as a spiritual successor to Castlevania. Ida served as game designer and director on the project, bringing his decades of experience to what many consider the true continuation of Castlevania’s legacy.
A legacy that lives on
In a heartfelt statement, Igarashi paid tribute to his longtime colleague: “Our first project together was Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow. It is no exaggeration to say that numerous titles hailed as masterpieces would not have been possible without his contributions. His talent was truly exceptional.”
He added that Ida was “someone who constantly thought about games, approaching development as if it were burning his life away,” and that he supported Igarashi for over 20 years.
At the time of his death, Ida was working as creative director on Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, a prequel to Ritual of the Night announced for a 2026 release.
ArtPlay confirmed the game’s development will continue, stating: “It is a precious work imbued with his vision. We shall carry forward his aspirations and see the game through to completion, determined not to disappoint him.”
Shutaro Ida’s impact on the Metroidvania genre cannot be overstated. From the golden age of handheld Castlevania titles to breathing new life into the formula with Bloodstained, his fingerprints are all over some of gaming’s most cherished experiences. His work will continue inspiring players and developers for generations to come.
Rest in peace, Shutaro Ida. Thank you for the countless hours of adventure and the unforgettable worlds you helped create.
What’s your favorite Castlevania or Bloodstained game that Ida worked on? Drop your thoughts below and let’s celebrate his incredible legacy.