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, the studio's recent successes also include the critically acclaimed Nioh series and collaborations with Square Enix on titles such as Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. The 2024 release of Rise of the Ronin further solidified their position in the action RPG genre.
In a recent interview, Fumihiko Yasuda of Team Ninja alluded to upcoming releases "fitting for the occasion" of their 30th anniversary. While details remain scarce, speculation is rife amongst fans.
Potential 2025 Releases:
The already announced Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a side-scrolling title unveiled at The Game Awards 2024, is a strong contender. This new entry aims to recapture the spirit of the classic 8-bit games while incorporating modern gameplay elements. This follows the divisive Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z (2014) as the most recent mainline entry in the franchise.
The future of the Dead or Alive franchise is also a major point of discussion. With no new mainline entry since Dead or Alive 6 (2019), fans eagerly anticipate a significant announcement. Recent releases have been limited to spin-offs.
Finally, the possibility of a new Nioh title or other unannounced projects adds further intrigue to Team Ninja's plans for 2025. The studio's commitment to quality and innovation suggests a compelling lineup of releases to celebrate this significant milestone.