Team Ninja Celebrates 30 Years with Ambitious 2025 Plans
Team Ninja, the Koei Tecmo subsidiary renowned for its action-packed titles like Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive, has hinted at significant projects to commemorate its 30th anniversary in 2025. Beyond these iconic franchises, the studio has also garnered success with soulslike RPGs such as the Nioh series and collaborations with Square Enix (Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty). The recent PlayStation 5 exclusive, Rise of the Ronin, further showcases Team Ninja's diverse portfolio.
In a recent interview (via 4Gamer.net and Gematsu), Fumihiko Yasuda from Team Ninja alluded to upcoming releases, describing them as "titles fitting for the occasion." While details remain scarce, speculation centers around potential new entries in the Dead or Alive or Ninja Gaiden series. Yasuda's statement confirms the studio's intention to mark the anniversary with significant game announcements and launches.
Team Ninja's 2025 Possibilities:
The year 2025 already holds one confirmed Team Ninja release: Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. Announced at The Game Awards 2024, this side-scrolling title promises a blend of classic 8-bit Ninja Gaiden gameplay and modern enhancements, bridging the gap between the series' past and present. This follows the divisive 2014 release, Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z.
The future of Dead or Alive remains uncertain. The franchise hasn't seen a mainline entry since Dead or Alive 6 in 2019, with recent releases limited to spin-offs. Fans eagerly anticipate a new mainline installment to coincide with Team Ninja's anniversary. Similarly, the possibility of a new Nioh game is also a source of considerable fan excitement. The studio's 30th anniversary presents a perfect opportunity to revisit these beloved franchises.
