Team Ninja's 30th Anniversary: Big Plans on the Horizon
Team Ninja, the Koei Tecmo subsidiary renowned for franchises like Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive, has hinted at significant projects to commemorate its 30th anniversary in 2025. While famous for its action-packed titles, Team Ninja's portfolio also boasts successful soulslike RPGs, including the Nioh series and collaborations with Square Enix (Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty). The recent release of Rise of the Ronin further showcased their versatility.
According to 4Gamer.net (via Gematsu), Team Ninja's Fumihiko Yasuda teased the studio's ambition to release titles "fitting for the occasion" in 2025. While details remain scarce, speculation centers on potential new entries in the Dead or Alive or Ninja Gaiden series.
Potential 2025 Releases:
The anticipation is already high, fueled by the recent announcement of Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound at The Game Awards 2024. This new side-scrolling title promises a blend of classic 8-bit gameplay and modern enhancements, bridging the gap between the series' origins and its 3D iterations. The last mainline entry, Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z, remains a point of contention among fans.
The Dead or Alive franchise, absent a mainline entry since 2019's Dead or Alive 6, is another strong contender for a celebratory release. Recent years have only seen spin-offs, leaving fans hopeful for a significant new installment. Furthermore, the Nioh series also holds a place in fans' hopes for a new title.
Team Ninja's 30th anniversary promises exciting developments for fans of its diverse and influential game catalogue. The coming year will undoubtedly reveal more about their ambitious plans.