Dead or Alive is a video game sub-series in the Ninja Gaiden universe produced by Tecmo and developed by Team Ninja. It is primarily composed of fast-paced 3D fighting games that had begun with the original Dead or Alive in 1996. DOA is the creation of Tomonobu Itagaki, who has since left the company and is no longer working on the series which continues without him. In addition to its countering-based play system, the franchise is most known for its female characters. This aspect of the game’s popularity led to the creation of the spin-off game Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball and its sequels, where the females and their sex appeal play a more focal role than it does in the core Dead or Alive series. A live-action film adaptation DOA: Dead or Alive was released in 2005.