Team Ninja's 30th Anniversary: Big Plans on the Horizon
Team Ninja, the Koei Tecmo subsidiary renowned for its action-packed franchises like Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive, has hinted at significant projects to commemorate its 30th anniversary in 2025. Beyond these iconic series, the studio has also achieved success with soulslike RPGs, including the Nioh series and collaborations such as Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. The recent release of Rise of the Ronin further solidified their position in the action RPG genre.
In a recent interview, Fumihiko Yasuda of Team Ninja hinted at upcoming releases, stating a desire to launch titles "fitting for the occasion." While specifics remain undisclosed, speculation centers on potential new entries in the Dead or Alive or Ninja Gaiden franchises.
Potential 2025 Releases:
The anticipation is already high, fueled by the recent announcement of Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound at The Game Awards 2024. This side-scrolling title promises a return to the series' classic 8-bit roots, blending retro gameplay with modern enhancements. This follows the divisive 2014 release of Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z.
The Dead or Alive franchise, last updated with Dead or Alive 6 in 2019, has seen only spin-off releases since then. Many fans eagerly await a new mainline entry to mark Team Ninja's milestone anniversary. Similarly, a new installment in the popular Nioh series is also a highly anticipated possibility.
2025 promises exciting developments from Team Ninja as they celebrate three decades of game development. The studio's legacy and diverse portfolio suggest a variety of possibilities, leaving fans in eager anticipation of their anniversary announcements.