Team Ninja's 30th Anniversary: Big Plans on the Horizon
Team Ninja, the Koei Tecmo subsidiary renowned for its action-packed titles like Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive, has hinted at significant announcements for its 30th anniversary in 2025. While famous for these franchises, the studio's recent successes also include the soulslike RPGs of the Nioh series, and collaborations with Square Enix on titles such as Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. The critically acclaimed Rise of the Ronin (PlayStation 5 exclusive) further showcases their diverse portfolio.
According to a 4Gamer.net report (via Gematsu), Team Ninja's Fumihiko Yasuda teased upcoming releases "fitting for the occasion." While specifics remain undisclosed, speculation naturally centers on the potential revival of major franchises. Yasuda's statement, "In 2025, Team Ninja will celebrate its 30th anniversary, and we hope to announce and release titles fitting for the occasion," fuels anticipation for significant reveals.
Potential 2025 Releases:
One confirmed release is Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a side-scrolling title announced at The Game Awards 2024. This new entry aims to blend classic 8-bit gameplay with modern enhancements, bridging the gap between the series' origins and its 3D iterations. The last mainline Ninja Gaiden release was the divisive Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z in 2014.
The Dead or Alive franchise, last seen with a mainline entry in 2019 (Dead or Alive 6), has only received spin-off titles since then. Fans eagerly await news of a new mainline game, hoping it will be part of Team Ninja's anniversary celebrations. Similar anticipation surrounds the possibility of a new Nioh installment. The coming year promises exciting developments from this celebrated developer.
