Shutaro Ida, a longtime developer best known for his work on the Castlevania series and for directing Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, has passed away at the age of 52.

News of Ida’s death has sent waves through the action-RPG community, where his name has long been associated with gothic atmosphere, demanding combat systems, and tightly designed exploration.

While details surrounding his passing have not been widely shared, tributes from colleagues and fans alike have highlighted the quiet but lasting impact he had on a genre he helped shape.

At 52, Ida leaves behind a body of work that continues to inspire both developers and players. The castles he helped construct digital though they may be still stand.

And for many fans, they always will.