Continuation of Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement Promised in Honour of Late Director Shutaro Ida

The loss of Shutora Ida, passed on at 52 after an eighteen-month battle with pancreatic cancer, sends waves of grief across the gaming community. This sorrowful update was shared through a family statement released on Ida’s official X account on February 15. In light of this regrettable event, Koji Igarashi, a former collaborator, has pledged to complete Ida’s anticipated metroidvania sequel, Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, following up from 2019’s Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night originally inspired by the Castlevania series.nnShutaro Ida, also known among some circles as Shutaro Iida, served at Konami between the years 1996 and 2015, primarily in the capacity of a programmer. His main contributions were rendered in the development of the Castlevania series, beginning with the GBA title, Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow and the PS2 release, Castlevania: Lament of Innocence. Ida successfully led the transition of these gothic action games into the sixth and seventh console generations, even taking up the directorial role for Castlevania: Harmony of Despair, released on Xbox 360 and PS3. His programming aptitude was also witnessed in the renowned Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes and The Phantom Pain.nnUpon invitation from the ex-Castlevania producer, Koji ‘Iga’ Igarashi, Ida found himself at ArtPlay. At this innovative indie dev company co-founded by Igarashi, Ida assumed the designer and directorial roles for the crowdfunded Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, while Igarashi functioned as the producer. The game received a warm reception around the globe and was acclaimed as a loyal spiritual successor to the Castlevania series. The game was rated 8.8 in our assessment, for its uncanny resemblance in play and touch to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.nnUpon reminiscing two decades of game development in collaboration with Ida, Igarashi paid him a heartfelt tribute – crediting him as an integral part of many successful gaming masterpieces, acknowledging his exceptional talent and the crucial support he lent for the success of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. He reminisces a progressive 20-year association with a man of unwavering dedication to game development whose life revolved around this passion. Igarashi rendered his hope that Ida could now find his serenity.nnStill mid-development, Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement is anticipated for later this year. This was meant to be Ida’s most recent achievement. Igarashi praised the commitment Ida had for the game and vowed to carry on in his spirit and vision for the game to avoid any potential disappointment.nnIda’s waning energy was apparent in his last tweet on January 30, indicating the nearing end. He made a simple plea within it: for his games including Bloodstained 2 to be loved. His family reinforced this with their heartfelt sentiment following his passing, acknowledging the end of his earthly adventure but, preserving his legacy through his creations. The continued love for his produced games in the community would be their greatest consolation.n